Investigate Shrimp Farming Project in Kuala Bagan Tiang

CAP is concerned of the shrimp farming project that will be implemented in Kampung Kuala Bagan Tiang near Tanjung Piandang in Kerian District, Perak because of the potential impacts to the environment here.

Besides destroying the mangrove forest, the project will also pollute marine waters in the coastal area here and threaten the source of income of about 300 small fishers in the village.

Recently, the fishers in Kampung Kuala Bagan Tiang held demonstrations protesting the proposed project that can affect the environment and their livelihood if the shrimp farmers operated here.

The project that will be implemented in this area involves 80 hectares of government reserve land with Avicennia trees that have become a breeding ground for many species of marine life as well as reduce risk of coastal erosion and threat of tsunami.

If natural vegetation is destroyed for this aquaculture project, natural breeding of fish, shrimp, crabs, snails and clams will be affected and this will subsequently reduce fishers’ catch and threaten their daily income.

Prior to this the income of fishermen here had declined significantly as a result of pollution from existing aquaculture ponds. Fisheries resources have declined and many cockle spats had died due to the pollution. If there is an expansion of aquaculture ponds here, the problems faced by fisher community will worsen.

Villagers are also concerned that in the event of strong waves or threat of tsunami, their homes will be exposed to more danger if the mangrove trees that act as a buffer were destroyed.

In view of this, CAP urges the Perak State Government, Land and Mines Department, Fisheries Department and Kerian District Office to investigate how an environmentally disastrous project which can also affect the lives and livelihood of villagers here can be approved.

CAP requests the relevant authorities to disclose their findings to the public, especially local residents who fear that their life and future will be affected if the shrimp farming project is implemented.

Press Statement – 5 May 2014