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Scaling down PSR with federal funding for PTMP is not the answer – Call to scrap PSR and review the PTMP

  • Publication Date | July 26, 2019
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Adaptation, Coastal Development, Coastal Ecosystem, Fisheries, Planning, Transport
  • Tags | ART, BRT, EIA, LRT, PIL, PSR, PTMP, Reclamation, sand mining, tolak tambak
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Sahabat Alam Malaysia - Forests and biodiversity

Scaling down the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project if there is federal funding for the PTMP components such as the Bayan-Lepas Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Pan Island Link (PIL 1) will not solve the fundamental problems posed by both PSR and the PTMP.

It was reported in the media yesterday that following a meeting with the PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Chief Minister of Penang, Chow KonYeow that was one of the points of consideration.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia’s (SAM) objection to the PSR and that of the fishermen has been that the mega reclamation project will have massive effects as clearly spelt out recently by the Minister of Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry in Parliament who openly admitted (on 16 July) that the reclamation project will destroy and have residual impact on mudflat ecosystems, fishing grounds, turtle landing zones and part of the coral reefs at Pulau Rimau, which is an important ecosystem for the local marine life.

According to the Department of Fisheries, the reclamation will indeed disrupt the feeding grounds, nursery and main migration route for the shrimps, thus affecting their population. The anticipation of marine ecology degradation outcome of the PSR project was also clearly noted in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project.

As pointed out by the Agriculture Minister, the livelihood of the 4,996 fishermen will be adversely affected, where 1,442 of whom are traditional Zone A fishermen. He also estimated that 51,184 metric tonnes of marine catch worth RM555 million a year, and 511 aquaculture farmers producing 45,742 metric tonnes of marine fishes worth RM1.67 billion, will all be disrupted by the reclamation.This does not include the revenue brought about by recreational fishery operating in the project area, which is estimated to be worth RM 5.3millon per annum, according to the EIA.

A scaling down of the PSR will still affect the very sensitive environmental ecosystem and there will still be serious adverse socio-economic and environmental impacts that cannot simply be mitigated away.As we have stressed before, destroying our precious fishery resources which are vital for our food security for the present and future generations does not make sense. Moreover, any reclamation will still require sand-mining and dredging, and this will also pose additional environmental impacts.

In addition, what has not been given due attention is the effect of sea-level rise due to climate change on the viability and sustainability of the PSR project.

Any reclamation there cannot bring back losses to the ecosystem that are irreparable and irreplaceable. We should be valuing, protecting and preserving these rich coastal and ocean ecosystems, instead of sacrificing them for some fanciful project for the sale of more land, when land is already plentiful on the mainland.

There is a lot of property overhang already in Penang. So we cannot see any justification for more property development on reclaimed land. Moreover, if indeed there is a need for industrial expansion, then land is available on the mainland in Seberang Perai.

Therefore, the PSR must be scrapped. It is not about scaling back.

On the issue of federal funding for the PTMP, SAM reiterates our call for a fundamental review of the plan.

There are cheaper and better alternatives such as the Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) instead of the LRT, which is now estimated to cost more than RM 10 billion.

Moreover, serious issues have been raised about the projected ridership of the LRT, which have not had proper responses from the Penang government.

As for the Pan Island Link (PIL), we have raised fundamental issues about the justification for such a highway at a colossal costan RM 8 billion for this road which is a gross wastage of public resources that is not a long-term solution for our traffic woes.

The PIL, which is an elevated 6-lane highway will completely ruin the Island’s charm as it willbe a sight for sore-eyes, with adverse visual impact over green parks and forested hills.No amount of mitigation measures will address how the character of the Island will be changed, with such an elevated highway, which will certainly be an ugly monstrosity.

This is why SAM and other concerned civil society groups have consistently called for an independent review of the PTMP so that a better plan can be put in place which is much cheaper, better and environmentally sustainable to solve our traffic woes.

Seeking federal funds for a transport plan which is not financially and environmentally sound does not make any sense and will only increase the government debt and is a waste of tax-payers’ money.

It is time for an independent and fair review of the PTMP and for the PSR to be scrapped. There can be no better solution than this.

Meenakshi Raman

President

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Testimonials

Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah satu badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang telah sekian lama berjuang mempertahan kelestarian alam. Ia juga mendidik masyarakat tentang pentingnya kebersamaan dalam pemikiran dan tindakan agar alam ini dapat kita wariskan kepada generasi hadapan dalam keadaan yang elok dan terpelihara. Dalam pada itu juga SAM giat membantu golongan nelayan pantai dalam memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka sehinggalah tertubuhnya Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING). Nelayan pantai sepenuh masa ini dididik oleh SAM sehingga mereka mampu memainkan peranan sebagai pemimpin nelayan yang meneruskan kesinambungan memperjuangkan hak-hak nelayan pantai lainnya. Sebagai contoh SAM telah berjaya menyedarkan masyarakat nelayan keperluan menjaga hutan paya bakau untuk kebaikan hasil tangkapan nelayan itu sendiri.
Jamaluddin Mohamad Bualik
Jamaluddin Mohamad BualikPersatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Jaringan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING)
During the 1980s, I used to read about the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) in the news. After retirement, some time in 2001, while lazing around, I read news about the construction of a carbon in leach plant using sodium cyanide to extract gold in Bukit Koman. My friends and I visited CAP and we were introduced to SAM and her legal team. We discussed the details of filing a case against the gold mining company and the department of environment with Ms Meenakshi Raman and her legal team. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between lawyers from SAM and many of us from Bukit Koman. We had many ups and downs in our struggle to shut down the gold mine that was causing a nuisance in our village. But, as a community we never gave up because SAM had our backs.
Hue Fui How
Hue Fui HowSecretary, Bukit Koman Ban Cyanide in Goldmining Action Committee (BCAC)
Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan nasib masyarakat luar bandar khasnya. SAM menerima aduan-aduan masyarakat dan menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi. SAM telah mewujudkan ramai aktivis-aktivis sosial dan alam sekitar. Pada era 1980 dan 90an SAM sangat dihormati oleh masyarakat dan agensi kerajaan. Apabila media sosial menguasai maklumat maka SAM pun terkesan dan masalah masyarakat terus disalurkan dengan pelbagai cara. SAM perlu mewujudkan aktivis-aktivis pelapis yang muda untuk terus membantu masyarakat. SAM juga perlu membuat perubahan supaya banyak turun kelapangan dan jangan mengharapkan laporan media sahaja. Tingkatkan prestasi sebagaimana pada zaman kegemilangan SAM di era 80-90an.
Che Ani Mt Zain
Che Ani Mt Zain
SAM taught me the importance of social activism and the role it plays in upholding the rights of people and the protection of the environment. In my experience, SAM has never hesitated to speak up in defence of people and their environment, and has gone the extra mile to champion their rights, by helping communities take their battles to the higher ups and even to the courts.
Jessica Binwani
Jessica BinwaniPublic/Private Interest Lawyer
Semenjak kami kenal SAM, banyak pengalaman dan pengetahuan yg kami dapat. Kami telah belajar cara membuat baja asli daripada SAM. Semenjak itu, bermulalah minat kami dalam aktiviti pertanian. Dengan memperolehi kemahiran dalam membuat baja asli dan penanaman lestari, kami juga telah dapat menambahkan pendapatan sampingan kami. Ini lebih baik daripada tanah kami terbiar dan tidak diusahakan. Terima kasih SAM kerana sudi memberi bantuan dan tunjuk ajar kepada Persatuan kami.
Chedo Anak Nyuwen
Chedo Anak NyuwenPersatuan Penduduk Sg Buri, Bakong, Marudi
My journey with SAM started when her community organisers took me to the meet the paddy farmers of Kedah, connecting my growing interest in environmental law with our people who struggle to work the land in the face of pollution, replacement of traditional seeds with commercial hybrids and their accompanying chemical package of fertilisers and weedicides. I then had the honour to work with SAM in the struggle for the rights of the native communities of Sarawak, in defence of their forests from massive logging and destructive mega-projects. In every issue that SAM takes up, she combines rigorous research with the realities and voices of the communities to advocate for policies and laws that care for people and nature. From the courts to the elected legislators to policy makers and implementers and to the United Nations, SAM walks side by side with the communities in Malaysia. How can I not be inspired by the vision and passion of the generations of women and men who coalesce to form SAM?
Chee Yoke Ling
Chee Yoke Lingstudent of SAM, Executive Director of Third World Network, SAM’s sister organisation

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Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
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Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

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Sahabat Alam Malaysia
Sahabat Alam Malaysia - Member of Friends of the Earth International

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki, 11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

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