Anwar meets fishermen over PSR, says he will speak with Penang CM next

GEORGE TOWN: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has met with fishermen here who are concerned that their livelihoods may be affected by the upcoming Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project.

The PKR president also said that he would arrange a meeting with Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow next to discuss these issues.

However, he did not state when this meeting would take place.

Anwar said the meeting would allow him to obtain more information about the PSR project and its effect on the livelihood of fishermen.

"I will discuss with the Chief Minister and ask if we can guarantee the fate of the fishermen.

"I know this is hard because I do not know of any large-scale reclamation project worldwide where the  future of the fishermen is secure," he said during a visit to the Sungai Batu Fishermen's Unit in the southern coastline of Penang Island on Saturday (July 13).

Anwar added although the PSR's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from the Department of Environment (DoE) was approved, the project could still be reviewed.

On Friday (July 12) Anwar raised the issue during a meeting with Dr Mahathir Mohamad and had told the Prime Minister that he would be meeting those who might be impacted by the PSR.

The PSR project involves the development of three man-made islands with a total size of over 1,800ha, with parts of the islands to be put up for sale.

The proceeds from the sales would then be used to fund projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP), a RM49bil mega project aimed at solving traffic congestion on the state's island side.

Penang Fishermen Association chairman Nazri Ahmad and several state leaders were also present.