Story by Chan Lilian
FISHERMEN who were affected by the Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase 2 (STP2) reclamation project off the northeast cost of Tanjung Tokong together with their crew were in Komtar to receive ex-gratia payment on Oct 31.
“The reclamation project was handed down from the previous government and we, as the new state government, respected the contract signed. We are bound by the law and we honour it,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said during the payment of the ex-gratia to the 44 fishermen and crew.
A total of RM2,210,500 had been given out in several phases.
The first round of ex-gratia payment amounting to RM1.852 million was given out in July to 116 fishermen and crew, contributed by STP2 project developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O).
The second phase consisted of 31 fishermen and 13 crew.
“Fishing is an important sector as farming. The state will continue to support and help the fishermen to develop the fishing industry. We have also given out fishing nets to assist fishermen since we took over the administration of the state. This was never done before 2008. This year, on May 3, some 186 fishermen had received the nets amounting to RM531,759.65. Another batch of fishing nets will be given out in November involving 3,121 fishermen costing RM557,439.50,” Lim said.
The event was witnessed by Dr Afif Bahardin , exco member for Agriculture, Agro-based industries, Rural development and Health and Eastern & Oriental Property (Penang) Sdn Bhd general manager Zawawi Yusop.
Dr Afif said due care had been given to select those who qualified for the ex-gratia payment, with RM15,000 given to 14 active fishermen, RM7,500 to 17 licensed fishermen, RM2,000 to the crew and RM1,000 to the non-active crew.} else {