WORK on the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project cannot begin until the developer’s environmental management plan (EMP) is approved by the Environment Department (DoE), said Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man today.

The environment and water minister said the EMP is among the 72 conditions listed under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

“The ministry views all development projects seriously, especially those subjected to the EIA requirement under Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the EIA evaluation process is stringent and complies with international standards.

“Hence, the project’s developer cannot begin work on the site until the EMP report is approved by DoE.”

He was replying to a question by Che Alias Hamid (Kemaman-PAS) on the strategic measures taken by the ministry to prevent the implementation of PSR, which is seen as detrimental to the environment.

Tuan Ibrahim, who is also Kubang Kerian MP, said a six-man board is being formed to look into the complaints raised by a fishermen’s group.

The ministry is waiting for the Attorney-General’s Chambers to gazette the appointments.

PSR will see three artificial islands built off the southern coast of Penang Island.

The state intends to use the three islands, covering more than 1,821ha, to fund its RM46 billion Penang Transport Master Plan. – July 23, 2020.