IPOH: There are contrasting views from fishermen in Perak towards the Penang South Islands (PSI) reclamation project, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said some fishermen were in favour of the project while there were some who were against it.
"Some fishermen think it will benefit them, as they felt marine life would head south to Perak waters (due to the reclamation works).
"There are also some who think that the marine creatures would move away," he told reporters when met at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at the state secretariat building banquet hall on Wednesday (May 10).
"I think there is still a need for a thorough study to be conducted by the relevant bodies.
"The study needs to be neutral, and there is no need for any parties to be a hero or to politicise the matter," he added.
Non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Badan Pemikir Melayu Pulau Pinang (Pemikir) had late last month questioned the Federal and Penang state governments on the development of the three man-made islands in the PSI project.
Its chairman Datuk Dr Muhamad Farid Saad has doubts on whether the project would benefit the people, especially the fishermen from the island and Perak.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had recently announced that the state had finally obtained the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval for the PSI reclamation project.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also said late last month that the government was ready to listen to the concerns or objections raised by the local fishermen regarding the PSI reclamation project.
Saarani said Anwar had also indicated that further studies would be required to see whether the PSI project gives more benefits or disadvantages.
"More importantly, it will be a project that has gotten approval based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report," he said.
On a separate matter, Saarani said the fly infestation issue in Manjung was not solely caused by poultry farms there.
He said some oil palm estates that use chicken manure as fertilisers were also to be blamed.
"We have given an order for poultry farmers to adopt a close farming system to prevent pollution or fly infestation.
"There are some oil palm plantations that buy the chicken manure fertilisers to be used at their premises.
"Some would open up the bags of the fertilisers, and get wet from rain, attracting flies.
"It all depends on better management of these fertilisers," he said, adding that the state would table a motion at the upcoming state assembly in its bid to resolve the fly infestation issue in Manjung.
