BAYAN LEPAS: Around 1,500 fishermen in the state held a protest at Pantai Sungai Batu here over the state's proposed land reclamation involving thousands of hectares.
The fishermen's spokesperson Nazir Ahmad said they had never opposed any development project previously.
"There are so many development projects around us but we never objected to it. However, this time it is affecting both our rice bowl and our lives, so we have to stand up and make our voices be heard, " he said when met during the hour-long protest, which started about 11am.
The fishermen held up placards and banner, which read; "Tambakan Laut Kejam" (land reclamation is cruel) and "Jangan Layan Kami Macam Sampah" (Do not treat us like rubbish).
It was reported that the proposed land reclamation, which would allegedly help fund the state government's massive Master Transport Plan (MTP), would see the construction of three man-made islands some 300 meters from the shores of Teluk Kumbar, Gertak Sanggul and Bayan Lepas.