GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Fishermen's Association (Pen Mutiara) has reaffirmed its earlier decision to reject all reclamation projects in the state.
Two massive reclamation projects currently on the cards are the 1,800ha Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project and the RM2 billion reclamation project in Bagan Ajam, Seberang Prai Utara.
Its chairman Mahadi Md Rodzi said all 101 delegates present today, representing about 6,000 fishermen statewide, were united in rejecting any reclamation project in the state.
"Prior to this, there were certain quarters who claimed that the association was 'threatening' and cheating the fishermen.
"But the presence of every delegate in today's AGM (Annual General Meeting) is proof that we are united in rejecting all reclamation projects in the state.
"This is because such projects will seriously affect the livelihood of the fishermen as well as other repercussions," he told newsmen after Pen Mutiara's 36th AGM at the Pen Mutiara Restaurant and Hotel here this afternoon.
After the AGM, all those present held up placards to show their objections against the reclamation projects.
The PSR, now known as the Penang South Island (PSI) project, covering 17 sq km involves the development of three man-made islands covering an area of 1,800 hectares in the waters off Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas.
It was introduced as a funding module of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) worth about RM46 billion.
Meanwhile, it was reported that the coastal landscape in north Butterworth, between the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT) and Jalan Tunku Putra, Teluk Air Tawar, is set to change with the construction of a new waterfront within the next few years.
This followed a supplementary agreement inked between the Penang government and Rayston Consortium (Butterworth) Sdn Bhd to reclaim 650 hectares of the land there.
The signing would push Rayston to start the long-delayed reclamation works since the first agreement was signed way back in 1999.
In an unrelated development, Mahadi said the AGM also approved another motion to object a proposal by a private company to take over the 2.8 hectares Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia (LKIM) jetty and its adjoining land in Batu Maung.
He said the proposal by a private company to take over the land was for a mixed-development project on the pretext of upgrading and managing the tuna landing port.
"We are not against the jetty being used as a tuna landing port but we are against the land being taken over by the private company for a development project that has nothing to do with the tuna landing port.
"We have sent a letter to the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry to voice our opposition towards the proposal," he said.