There are no misconceptions regarding the Penang South Islands (PSI) project as alleged by Penang Infrastructure Corporation (PIC) in a letter published by FMT on June 1.
Perhaps the only misconceptions our readers may have relate to the imaginary visuals and also the overstated narrative of the project’s ability to attract over RM70 billion in foreign direct investment and the creation of more than 300,000 jobs.
These are clearly overstated by the Penang Infrastructure Corporation, which would cause many readers to shake their heads in disbelief.
PIC also mentioned green mobility, putting bicycles before cars, with a stress on water taxis, electric buses and electric trams. But these are nothing but dreams. They do not represent the reality that one could find in Penang at the moment.
Where could one find an electric tram or any e-vehicle used as public transport in Penang?
While the visuals look impressive, PIC is deceiving not only themselves but also the people of Penang.
The reality in Penang is that of Prangin Canal, a site vastly different in looks and character from what was highlighted and boasted by the Penang state government.
It has been exposed before that the state government is indeed guilty of building another canal alongside, to divert the dirty drainage water into the sea without removing the rubbish, or filtering and treating the water first before releasing only clean water into the sea.
Back then, the state government was supposed to have made proper and comprehensive plans to clean up not only the Prangin Canal and the nearby Sia Boey Market, but also many other polluted and dirty areas throughout Penang. But it was never done.
Since 2015, when they first mooted the idea and until today, the diverted dirty drain water is still flowing under a covered walkway. The state government has been accused of sweeping dirt under the carpet, except in this case it’s dirty drainage water flowing under the covered walkways, so nobody can see.
So how could they talk about Penang South Islands having all the green initiatives when they have failed miserably to handle the Prangin Canal since 2015? I am sorry, Penang state government. I am afraid you have to lead by example, a proven example.
Cancel the project
Recently, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar highlighted the problems associated with the project. She said its potential losses and risks far outweighed any possible gains to the state of Penang and its people.
She also raised three critical issues that the state has to consider seriously. These are:
- The need and the obvious necessity to reconsider mega infrastructure projects. The state and the people of Penang should not be burdened with a project fraught with risks, debt, uncertainties and U-turns.
- The unanswered questions yet to be addressed – why has PSG decided to enable this project despite the EIA confirming that it will result in permanent environmental loss? Permanent destruction and residual impacts will be suffered by the mudflat ecosystem, fishing grounds, turtle landings, and some of the coral reefs on Pulau Rimau. The permanent destruction will have a significant negative impact on marine resources, fishermen’s livelihood and the security of the country’s food supply.
- While she fully agreed with the stated aims of the Penang state government (to build a smart city, provide employment, develop human capital, expand the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone, relieve development pressure on George Town and provide new beginnings for fishermen), it must be remembered that reclamation is a costly exercise – both financially and socio-economically.
She also said instead of reclaiming 4,500 acres of land from the sea, there was plenty of land on the Seberang Perai side or the mainland.
She went on to say that more effort should be focused on small-scale pro-community development on the mainland, to address the unbalanced growth. This, she said, should be the main trajectory of Penang’s overall development plan.
Nurul Izzah concluded that the massive reclamation project should be cancelled in view of the immediate pressing needs of the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to preserve Penang’s valuable fishing grounds, the livelihood of fishermen and overall food security, the Penang South Islands project should be done away with.
I couldn’t agree more with her.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.