Vital mangrove swamp in Balik Pulau being cleared, say fishermen

GEORGE TOWN: A 12ha mangrove swamp in Kuala Jalan Bharu, which played a vital role in reducing the impact of the 2004 tsunami, has been cleared to make way for an alleged shrimp breeding project’s extension.

Fishermen claimed that the mangrove located along the coastline of Balik Pulau and standing between the shrimp ponds and the sea had been cleared by the shrimp farm owner.