‘Penang reclamation project illegal’
GEORGE TOWN: It is currently illegal for the state government to implement the reclamation project on Penang island’s southern coast, said Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
He said this was because several reports had yet to be received from the developer and the state government.
The reports are the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and reports on the project’s social, political and marine impact.
“The state government should not (think) that they can develop whatever they want.
“Development and planning fall under the National Physical Development Council, and if the council denies permission, the project violates the law.
“I urge the state government not to look at it based solely on the constitution, but to also look at existing federal and state laws, especially those involving EIA... whether the project’s EIA has been approved,” he said here yesterday.
Wan Junaidi also received a protest note against the reclamation project from the Penang Fishermen’s Association.
He said he disagreed with the continuation of the reclamation project, as it would not only affect marine resources, which would affect the fishermen’s income, and also cause a shift in the country’s continental shelf (the underwater landmass extending from a continent).
“Penang’s continental shelf will shift, and if the reclamation extends more than three nautical miles (the limit allowed under the law) from the shoreline, then the country’s continental shelf will shift and it will possibly encroach on international waters. I can’t agree with on such a move.” Bernama