SUNGAI PETANI, Dec 6 – The Penang state government has been urged to be transparent and not conceal information from the people on the sea reclamation project it was implementing. Pulau Betong Barisan Nasional (BN) asssemblyman Muhammad Farid Saad said the people had the right to know relevant details of the project which involves not only the environment but also their socio-economy.
“The people of Penang has the right to know in detail about the project particularly its impact. A number of non governmental organisations have also issued statements supporting a public hearing on the project. “I hope the state government would consider the request and they must also be transparent and not hide anything on the issue,” he told Bernama here, Friday.
During the Penang State Assembly sitting on Nov 27, Muhamad Farid tabled a motion for a a public hearing on the sea reclamation project. The Pulau Betong assemblyman also suggested that the project be suspended until a further study has been done on its impact on the environment, and to halt it if the outcome is found to be adverse.
However, the motion was rejected after failing to get majority support – only 10 of the assemblymen comprising nine from the BN and one from DAP, supported it. Five chose to abstain. Meanwhile, Muhamad Farid said fishermen, particularly from the Permatang Damar Laut area have complained that their livelihood had been affected by the reclamation activities being carried out by the state government.
