GEORGE TOWN: Another PKR leader has come forward to speak against the controversial Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, saying it is a step backwards for the state.
PKR Bukit Bendera division director of communications Mah Kong Lip said the Penang government was still adamant in wanting to kick-off the mega reclamation project, now referred to as the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, despite knowing full well the consequences of global warming and climate change, and the potential damages to the environment.
The civil and structural engineer said, according to scientists and researchers using three-dimensional satellites to measure mountain glaciers, it was found that glaciers were melting at a faster rate now, losing 31 per cent more snow and ice per year as compared to 16 years earlier, which amounted to 298 billion metric tonnes per year since 2015, enough to put Malaysia under 7.2 feet of water each year.
"Are these facts and scientific data being taken into consideration by the high calibre Penang government?
"History has shown that by neglecting the fundamentals of science along with proven data, we will eventually be faced with an even bigger problem.
"What we need is a sustainable development to cushion the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, not uncontrolled development at the expense of the environment.
"As such, let us work hand-in-hand with the federal government for economic recovery through supporting the vaccination programme (National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme) and fiscal and monetary policies; and not march to our own tune at a critical time like this," he said.
Mah said it was ironic that while cities like Jakarta was in the midst of building retaining walls to prevent the threat of rising sea levels, Penang was trying its hardest to carry out unnecessary land reclamation even though the state still has opportunities to develop the mainland.
He added that the level of wisdom and foresight could clearly be seen through the actions of these two governments.
"This truly contradicts the very basis of why Gerakan lost its hold in Penang in the first place.
"DAP had rallied strongly against land reclamations and deforestation previously, but now it is doing the exact same thing.
"I believe that a majority of Penangites are an environmental loving lot and they will not hesitate to show DAP the door if they are still too stubborn to listen to the people.
"The future of Penang lies in the hands of the voters. If the DAP government has become too complacent with such a good victory for the last three elections, then it is time for other parties to be given a chance to lead Penang," he said.
Last Monday, PKR's Permatang Pauh member of parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar had said that the massive reclamation project should be cancelled because of the immediate pressing needs of the Covid-19 pandemic, and to preserve Penang's valuable fishing grounds, the livelihoods of fishermen and overall food security.
In response, state Infrastructure and Transport Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari had said that the reclamation project had been identified by the Penang Socio-Economic Recovery Consultative Council (PSERCC) as a key recovery driver of the state.
The project was to ensure Penang's economy survived as much as its people during and after the current Covid-19 crisis and is needed now more than ever as a catalytic development project for the state.