A NEW environment impact assessment (EIA) is needed for the Penang South Island (PSI) reclamation project as there is now a change in the development concept, environmental activist Meenakshi Raman said.

Meenakshi, who is president of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, said the new EIA was necessary although the PSI reclamation project  has been scaled down by 49%, from three artificial islands to just one.

“As there has been a change in the development concept, both in the design and the statement of need, our view is that a new EIA must be required,” Meenakshi said in a statement today.

She said one of the 71 conditions imposed on the state in respect of the EIA, which was approved on April 11, was that if there were any changes in the development concept, a fresh approval from the Department of Environment (DOE) director-general is required. 

“Hence, the DOE approval must be sought again. It is our view since the project involves only one island now, there must be a new EIA.

“For example, there needs to be a new hydraulic and hydrology impact assessment that covers current flow, water level, wave conditions, sedimentation and erosion etc. This will change from having one island instead of three islands are was the case earlier,” said Meenakshi.

She added that in addition, the shrimp migration study, which was required earlier under the previously approved EIA, has yet to be completed. 

She said this was a vital component to be assessed since the reclamation of island A involved 930.78ha, which was still very significant in terms of impacts on marine life, shrimp migration, food security and so on.

“Moreover, the statement of need for the project too has changed, now that the federal government is providing the funds needed to address the transport woes of the state.

“The state cannot rely on the DOE’s April approval and proceed with the environmental management plan in view of the change that has occurred,” she said.

Yesterday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government has agreed to scale down the PSI reclamation project by not proceeding with the construction of “Island B” and “Island C”.

He said this was despite the EIA report for the PSI project being approved by the DOE, through a letter dated April 11, covering three islands and involving a total area of 1,821.09ha.

He said the decision was made in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s request for the state government to scale down the project.

Meanwhile, the Consumers Association of Penang called on the state government to completely abandon the reclamation work.

“Please listen to the voices of civil society groups and the informed public, and do not yield to the pressure from developers and contractors,” said CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader.

“Naming one island Silicon Island and holding the carrot of attracting tourists cannot be the answer to the question we have repeatedly asked: What is the need for the reclamation with its attendant negative ecological and social impacts?  

“The prime minister has called for a review of the reclamation project.  

“The primary consideration of the review will be whether the project is needed and beneficial to the people. Don’t jump the gun and call for the reclamation of one island. 

“Get on with the review process, which should be undertaken by independent experts with input from civil society groups. In the meantime, don’t commit the governments – state and federal – to any financial liability,” he said in a statement.

He added that there was enough land in Penang – around 12,140.57ha on the mainland and 526.09ha on the island – for economic development. 

As such, he said, extensive reclamation was unnecessary. – May 12, 2023.