CAP urges Penang Chief Minister to announce what project has been proposed in Permatang Damar Laut

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the Chief Minister of Penang YAB. Lim Guan Eng to announce to the people in the State especially fishers in Permatang Damar Laut, the purpose of works being carried out by a company in this area, comprising of survey and measuring work, marking the area and digging the seabed

CAP is disappointed that although the query has been submitted to several departments, agencies and members of the state executive council to find out the objectives of the proposed project, of which we believe is to conduct coastal reclamation in the area, the authorities did not know about the project, and some did not provide answers to the questions raised by CAP.
The agencies concerned are the South West District and Land Office, City Council of Penang Island, Town and Country Planning Department of Pulau Pinang, Local Government EXCO YB. Chow Kon Yeow and Environment EXCO YB. Phee Boon Poh.

Therefore we request YAB. Lim Guan Eng as the Penang Land Affairs and Land Development Executive Council to explain what is the purpose of the survey and measuring works and seabed exploration in Permatang Damar Laut including the hills and forest in Pantai Indah in the surrounding area.

Last October CAP had conducted a survey in this area and found that measuring works, marking and seabed exploration were being carried out by several workers of a company. In fact the local community and fishers that we met did not know the true nature of the works being conducted here.

Hence, the Chief Minister who also happens to be the Information EXCO must explain in detail to the people of this state what development project has been earmarked for implementation in the area and the potential impacts to the local community.

CAP is concerned and believes that if there is indeed a reclamation project slated for implementation in this area it will affect the environment, lives and livelihood of the 300 fishermen who are dependent on marine resources in the area. CAP strongly objects a coastal reclamation project in this area and urges the State Government to reject any such project here.

Media Statement, 11 November 2015