THE Department of Environment (DoE) is expected to give its decision on the new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the Penang South Islands (PSI) project after the technical meeting next month.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the DoE was expected to make its decision after the meeting.
“The meeting will enable DoE to examine all technical reviews and observe all compliances from each agency in the EIA Evaluation Technical Committee.”
It was reported by an English daily that the EIA Evaluation Technical Committee is made up of agencies such as PLANMalaysia, Fisheries Department, Health Department, Irrigation and Drainage Department, Minerals and Geosciences Department, Malaysian Marine Department, Public Works Department, Town and Country Planning Department, Penang Port Commission, individuals appointed with specific expertise, as well as non-governmental organisations.
“This is the final stage before the DoE makes its decision. We had three meetings to discuss the technical reviews in the past. The latest was recent,” Chow replied to a journalist after presenting financial aid to Tamil kindergarten and primary schools as well as Punjabi schools in Penang today. The aid presentation ceremony was held in Komtar. A total of RM2.39 million was allocated for 28 Tamil schools, 19 Tamil kindergartens, three Punjabi schools, and the special fund of the Tamil school special committee.
Commenting on the PSI project, Chow reiterated that the state would not proceed with its implementation without the EIA approval.
“This has always been our stand and we are sticking to it. The process of obtaining the EIA approval has also been taking a long time,” he said.
The EIA report for the PSI was approved in 2019, before the approval was reversed by the Appeal Board on Sept 8, 2021.
It was reported by an English daily that the Appeal Board’s basis for reversing the approval was because of the contradictions with Section 34A(4) of the Environmental Quality Act 1974, related to development zoning that had not been approved by the Penang state authority at that time. The state government has submitted an updated and more comprehensive EIA report for approval in March last year.
The PSI project off the southern coast of Penang island involves the reclamation and development of three islands covering 1,820ha – namely Island A (930ha), Island B (566ha) and Island C (324ha).
It is designed to fund the Penang Transport Master Plan, which includes the Pan Island Link and Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit. The PSI project is also seen as a Penang Economic Transformation project, with the aim of creating a robust international service and manufacturing hub.
Chow said the process of obtaining the EIA approval for the PSI was very comprehensive.
“I am not sure if there is any project or state that must go through such a process.
“This (process) can be a ‘model’ for DoE to look at… how the EIA was prepared, and with all the input from the technical agencies.
“We have complied with the requirements of the technical agencies. As long as there are requirements imposed, we comply. That is our principle.
“And I believe a decision can be made by the DoE after the meeting in March,” he said.
Chow said conditional approval (if granted) is normal.
“Usually, approval will come with conditions to comply… before, during and after the implementation of a project,” he added.
Separately, Chow said the Penang Veterinary Services Department (JPV) director would be putting forward issues concerning African swine fever (ASF) during the department’s central meeting.
“We want to know what the way forward is, especially for pig farms which were hit by the ASF virus and have exceeded the incubation period (with no new cases). What is the decision on that matter?” he questioned.
Quoting the Penang JPV director, Chow said the spread of the ASF virus in Penang has decelerated.
Meanwhile, in responding to a question on the upcoming state election, Chow said the Penang Pakatan Harapan has not officially met with Penang Barisan Nasional to discuss the matter.