GEORGE TOWN, May 16 – Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called on the state government of Penang to halt the reclamation project in Penang South. CAP is urging the state government to listen to the voices of civil society organizations and the public and not to yield to the pressure from developers and contractors. CAP has questioned the need for the reclamation project and criticized the state government for considering the project even after the Prime Minister called for a review of the project.
CAP has urged the state government to let independent experts undertake the review process and avoid committing the state and federal governments to any financial liability. CAP has also pointed out that the federal government has already agreed to provide funds for improving the transport infrastructure in Penang to overcome traffic congestion. Additionally, there is enough land in Penang state for economic development. Thus, CAP questioned the need for extensive reclamation and has called on the Chief Minister of Penang to explain the need for it.
The reclamation project has attracted opposition from environmentalists and CSOs, who fear the ecological and social impacts of the project. Naming one island Silicon Island and holding the carrot of attracting tourists cannot be the answer to the question of the need for the reclamation, CAP added. CAP has also emphasized that the state government must prioritize the concerns of the people and the environment over the interests of developers and contractors.
