ALOR STAR: Coastal fishermen in Langkawi have been having sleepless nights after receiving a land acquisition notice from the Langkawi Land Office to make way for a sea reclamation project along the Kuah coastline.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) said the fishermen claimed that they were not informed beforehand of the project and have voiced their concern over the impact of the reclamation works on their livelihoods.
CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said, based on a survey, hundreds of coastal fishermen who depend on marine catches from Pantai Kelibang to Sungai Menghulu near Kuah would be affected by the project.
"They received a land acquisition notice from the Langkawi Land Office to make way for a sea reclamation project in the area. The coastal fishermen earn between RM1,000 and RM2,000 monthly while those collecting mussels in the area earn between RM40 and RM70.
"They are objecting to the project, fearing its impact to the environment and affecting their source of income," he said in a statement.
Mohideen said local fisherman Zulkifli Shamsudin, 50, was shocked over the notice as they were not informed of the project.
"Zulkifli expressed his frustration that the decision was made without taking into account the impact on local residents. He fears that the project may not only affect his income but he might end up having to relocate elsewhere," he said.
CAP said it was informed by Sungai Kelibang Fishermen Community chairman Zulkifli Che Hasin that the fishermen had submitted a letter to the Langkawi Land Office to object to the project.
"The livelihood of the fishermen in the area should be taken seriously by the government as they depend solely on marine catch to support their family.
"CAP feels sorry for the fishermen and as such, urges the Kedah government, local government, relevant departments and agencies to study this issue thoroughly," said Mohideen.
CAP, he said, was concerned that the project would not only destroy marine life but also the livelihood of the local fishing community.
"CAP is of the opinion that before any decision is made on this matter, the Kedah government should have disclosed the initial plan, findings from studies and latest developments on the project to the public, in particular local residents who have a right to voice their views," he said.
Kuah assemblyman Mohd Firdaus Ahmad did not reply when contacted for comment on the matter.