KUALA LUMPUR: The government is ready to listen to the concerns or objections raised by the local fishermen regarding the Penang South Islands (PSI) reclamation project, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“If they want to raise their objections, we will listen and the state government will also provide an explanation (about the project),” he said after Friday prayers at the Jamiul Ehsan Mosque in Kampung Kubu Gajah in Sungai Buloh here yesterday.
Also present was Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Anwar said the PSI project had so far obtained conditional approval based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
“The EIA approval was obtained based on 71 conditions. We shall look into that. I have also raised several concerns on behalf of the fishermen and multi-racial residents, so let the process take its course,” he said.
Prior to this, Penang Fishermen’s Association voiced fear for their livelihoods following the proposed implementation of the PSI reclamation project and expressed disappointment over the lack of response from the Prime Minister.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow on Tuesday announced the EIA report for the project has obtained approval from the Department of Environment (DOE) on April 11 based on 71 stipulated conditions.
He said the approved EIA report would be uploaded to the Penang Infrastructure Corporation website for public reference.
The PSI reclamation project is to develop three artificial islands, with an area of approximately 1,700ha in waters of Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas.
Meanwhile in an unrelated matter, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said the Malaysia Madani Open House was to give the people a chance to meet and mingle with the Prime Minister and other leaders.
The PMO said the open house events were also organised so that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet could meet and greet those who have never had the opportunity to celebrate Aidilfitri with government leaders.
The Malaysia Madani Open House will kick off in Raia Hotel, Kedah from 10am to 2pm today.
“In line with the Malaysia Madani concept, the organisation this time is also with the strategic cooperation of the state government in addition to the leading ministries appointed to assist.
“It is organised by the Federal Government in Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu while in Penang, Negri Sembilan and Selangor, (the gatherings) would be organised by the respective state governments.
“The Federal Government aims to attract about 55,000 visitors in Kedah and 25,000 in Kelantan, followed by 15,000 in Terengganu.
“Past (open houses) in Seri Perdana had recorded up to 100,000 visitors,” the PMO said in a statement yesterday.
