Fishermen vow to oppose proposed reclamation in Permatang Damar Laut
GEORGE TOWN: Fishermen depending on the fish haven of Permatang Damar Laut sea for their livelihood have vowed to oppose the proposed reclamation in the area.
Their state representative, Nazri Ahmad fears that should the reclamation begin, the history of fishermen in that area will be wiped out entirely.
“The impact is too huge for us and we will lose everything, especially our livelihood. No matter how much compensation is given to us, it will never be enough,” he said at a hearing session on reclamation project at the Lexis hotel here yesterday.
During the session, state environmental impact assessment (EIA) consultant, Prof Datuk Dr Sharifah Mastura Syed Abdullah from Tentuan Dr Nik & Associate said based on initial studies carried out by them, corals in Pulau Rimau, fishing and marine live areas and locations where turtles land, would have to be sacrificed in the reclamation process.
“This is considered a tradeoff and it is undeniable that the livelihood of the fishermen will be affected. However, the state would have to compensate them for their loss,” she said.
Besides Nazri, other fishermen representing their units statewide and local residents had also voiced disapproval on the reclamation during the hearing session.
Soon after the hearing session ended, some 200 fishermen held a peaceful demonstration against the reclamation process outside the hotel.
Nazri, who is also spokesman for the fishermen group said they would stand firm on their decision to oppose the land reclamation in the area. — Bernama