The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) calls on the Penang state government not to adamantly insist on going ahead with the reclamation in southern Penang Island, regardless of whether it is for one or three islands.
Please listen to the voices of civil society organisations and the informed public, and do not yield to pressure from developers and contractors.
Naming one island “Silicon Island” and holding the carrot of attracting tourists cannot be the answer to the question we have repeatedly asked: what is the need for the reclamation with its attendant negative ecological and social impacts?
The prime minister has called for a review of the reclamation project. The primary consideration of the review will be whether the project is needed and beneficial to the people.
Don’t jump the gun and call for the reclamation of one island. Get on with the review process, which should be undertaken by independent experts with input from civil society groups. In the meantime, don’t commit the governments – state and federal – to any financial liability.
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The federal government has already agreed to provide funds for improving the transport infrastructure in Penang to overcome traffic congestion. There is also enough land in Penang state – around 30,000 acres on the mainland and 1,300 acres on the island – for economic development.
So why the need for extensive reclamation? Chief minister, please explain.
Mohideen Abdul Kader is president of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP)
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