EIA to be revised to ensure preservation of mangrove forest

GEORGE TOWN: Despite environmental concerns, the state governments will allow the development of the Penang Aquaculture Industrial Zone (ZIA) at the thriving mangrove forest in Penaga, Kepala Batas.

However, measures to mitigate pollution, which could harm the forest’s ecology, will be among conditions which must be implemented under the new Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Penang environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the revised EIA will be crucial to ensure that the implementation of the ZIA will not have a negative impact on the environment.

The ZIA had been discussed and planned since 2003, before the 2004 tsunami, he said.

In Nov 2013, he said, 194ha of the forest was given to Chief Minister Inc (CMI) to develop ZIA.

“In 2016, the previous consultant submitted an EIA to Department of Environment but it was rejected.

“Now with new consultants, the revised EIA study started last month and should be completed in nine to 12 months," said Phee yesterday at the state assembly.

He was responding to The Star exclusive report on the coastal mangrove forest, locate on the border of Kedah and mainland Penang, which had amazed experts because it was only 200ha two decades ago, but almost 600ha today.

The area is a haven for migratory birds, a boon for fisherman and has huge revenue potential from tourism.

Phee said the state set up a Penaga ZIA technical development committee to work out sustainable aquaculture guidelines.

“Among the requirements of the committee is a 200m buffer zone from the shore to the project site to ensure that the mangrove forest will continue to prevent shore erosion and offer protection against tsunamis, ” he said.

He said farmers in the ZIA must also build a treatment system to clean waste water from the ponds before releasing it.

Meanwhile, state agriculture and agro based industries committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin confirmed the 194ha ZIA will be leased out to 19 entrepreneurs and they will channel money towards an environmental conservation fund for the re-planting of trees in the mangrove forest.

“The mangrove forest has been gazetted for aquaculture projects to meet the food supply in Penang.”

He said CMI appointed consulting engineers to prepare the design and development plan of the project.

Despite the state’s efforts, locals there are still concerned about the project.

Villager Mat Ali Ismail said most of them have lived there for generations and depended on the mangrove forest.

“Most of us are coastal fishermen. If the government allows aquaculture ponds at the mangrove forest, our daily catch will be affected, ” he said.

Mat Ali explained that the mangrove forest was rich in natural resources and marine life.

“The pollution from the ponds will contaminate the river and the sea, ” said the 57-year-old.

Another fisherman Halim Abdullah echoed a similar sentiment, saying he felt appalled when he first heard about the project.

“Our livelihood is at stake. So is our safety. The mangrove forest protects us from tsunamis and strong winds, ” he said.