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Provide place to relocate fishermen jetty, Sanusi tells Langkawi reclamation developer

ALOR SETAR: Kedah government will ask the developer of a sea reclamation project in Langkawi to propose a suitable location to relocate a fishermen jetty in Kuah.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md. Nor said the request would be made a prerequisite in approving the development plan submitted by the developer.

"The project developer has submitted the project's development plan for approval.

"The state government will request the company to pinpoint a proposed location to relocate the fishermen jetty affected by the project," he told reporters after chairing the state Executive Council meeting at Wisma Darul Aman here today.

Sanusi explained that the sea reclamation project had been approved by the state government over a decade ago but said he was unaware on the nature of the project.

"For the record, the fishermen jetty slated to be affected by the reclamation project was built by the state government years ago. But the fishermen have since built homes, shops and other structures at the site.

"As such, we will ask the developer to provide a proposed site to relocate the jetty for the fishermen in the area," he said.

Sanusi also denied that the project would compromise he fishermen's livelihood as their marine lives catching zone was located further up the coastline earmarked for the project.

On Monday, the NST reported on concern raised by coastal fishermen in Pantai Kelibang to Sungai Menghulu near Kuah.

The fishermen had voiced their concern to Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) over the project's adverse impact to their livelihood.

It was reported that CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader as saying the fishermen claimed that they were not informed beforehand of the project.

He said the fishermen claimed that they only learnt about the project after receiving a land acquisition notice from the Langkawi Land Office to make way for a sea reclamation project along the Kuah coastline.

CAP has urged the Kedah government to disclose 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.

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