RECLAMATION is not new and it is needed to generate economic activities, says caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said any infrastructure project would pose a (certain) risk to the environment and it is up to the authority to determine how to minimise the risk.
“Referring to the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, I have said many times that under this state government led by me, we cannot and we will not start any (reclamation) work until we have secured all the approvals needed.
“This is important because most of the approvals did not come from the state government or local council itself but it comes from various Federal agencies.
“It is not easy to secure all the approvals but we remain committed to trying our best to comply with the conditions imposed by the relevant Federal agencies for the PSI project for the PSI project,” Chow said in his speech during a ceramah at Medan Maktab in Pulau Tikus last night.
Also present was Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate for Pulau Tikus, Joshua Woo Sze Zeng.
Chow added that the PSI project had already received the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Department of Environment (DoE) with 71 conditions in April this year.
The approved EIA was for the entire PSI project involving the reclamation of three islands – Islands A, B and C.
However, the project had been scaled down to only one island – Island A, which is named recently as Silicon Island.
He said currently the Penang government through its project delivery partner (PDP) for the PSI project is now in the process of applying for the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approval from the DoE.
“The EMP report contains the plans to comply with, and the conditions of the EIA approval.
“The DoE can ask us to revise or improve the EMP report if it is not satisfied with the report. We are open to the process,” Chow added.
Chow stressed that Penang wants to see a balance between development and environmental protection, in line with the sustainable development goals.
He added that the state government welcomes criticism from any parties about the PSI project.
“I would like to reply to some of the negative remarks given by Gerakan leaders about the PSI project.
“Perhaps they have forgotten what they have done during their previous administration in Penang (before 2008).
“They have been involved in various reclamation projects from Weld Quay to Bayan Lepas such as the Bayan Lepas FIZ (Free Industrial Zone), Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway area, the Macallum Street area and many others.
“So, why was reclamation okay back then (during their administration) but not now?
“Reclamation may not be our first choice. The reality is we have reached a point where we are running out of available land, especially for industrial purposes.
“The PSI project is essential to address this pressing issue and, at the same time, serve as a financing model for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) project,” Chow said.
He further emphasised that the PSI project’s completion would not only create more job opportunities for the local community but also contribute significantly to the region’s economic growth and development.