Anwar backs Penang reclamation but wants fair compensation for fishermen, residents
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 — Authorities should ensure adequate compensation is paid out to residents and fishermen affected by the proposed Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby, the Port Dickson MP said the current method for determining compensation was not commensurate with the impact on those affected.
“A project that costs RM16 billion should not use old methods to compensate local residents. I disagree with that. There should be a plan to help them develop.
“The profits that come from a project costing RM16 billion, RM20 billion should ensure that a fair compensation is given to the local residents.
“I have met with several Penang lawmakers and we will be having a meet to discuss... not only to hear the views from the fishermen, but to have them understand that the project can proceed,” Anwar said.
The former Permatang Pauh MP said he also discussed the land reclamation project with federal lawmakers including Datuk Mansor Othman (Nibong Tebal), Nurul Izzah Anwar (Permatang Pauh), Sim Tze Tzin (Bayan Baru) and Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Balik Pulau).
Anwar added he had met with Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari in Kuala Linggi yesterday to discuss on new ports and projects in the state.
“I said it is not wrong, but discussion must be done with the fishermen as to whether their interests would be met or their position in the future would be affected,” he said.
Yesterday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was prepared to meet Anwar to explain in greater detail of the reclamation project by the state government.
According to him, the state government will also arrange for a briefing on PSR for Anwar if necessary.
On Thursday, several fishermen from Penang and Perak and local environmentalists had marched to Parliament to demand the cancellation of the proposed PSR project.
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