THE Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIA) for the sea reclamation project in the southern waters of Penang, now known as Penang South Islands (PSI), is expected to be finalised next month. 

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told reporters in George Town today that the EIA is in its final stages of completion before it is submitted to the Environment Department (DOE) for approval. 

“We are waiting for the technical meeting that will be held in March to finalise the report. Prior to this, we have gone through many processes that we need to amend, and add what is missing before the report can be submitted to DOE,” he said. 

The PSI project spans almost 17sq km, involving the development of three artificial islands with an area of ​​1,700ha in the waters of Permatang Damar Laut near Bayan Lepas. 

The project has received objections from fishermen and civil society organisations in the state, who claim its implementation will damage the marine ecosystem in the area.

On September 8, 2021, the Appeals Board of the DOE decided to set aside the previous EIA approval for the project. – Bernama, February 9, 2023.