MCA questions Penang's 'hard selling' on reclamation project

Penang MCA today questioned why the state government is "hard selling" its Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project when it has already applied for federal funds.

In a statement, Penang MCA secretary Yeoh Chin Kah pointed out that the state government is seeking RM10 billion to fund the Bayan Lepas-Komtar light rail transit (LRT) and Pan-Island Link 1 (PIL1) – projects that the PSR was supposed to finance.

"Why should it hard sell to implement the PSR? The motive behind the reclamation is questionable," he said.

"The reclamation was to sell land to build the LRT and PIL1, but it seems that this reason is invalid now," he added.

Yeoh was referring to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow saying that funding for the two projects would be included in the 12th Malaysia Plan, which is slated to be tabled in Parliament in September or October next year.

This followed Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali's visit to Penang earlier this month, during which he said that the LRT was the way forward to reduce traffic congestion.

Yeoh accused Chow of coming up with many excuses to get the PSR off the ground.

"He claimed that the plan can help the economic transformation of Penang.

"He is also very ridiculous to say that the population of Penang is growing rapidly and that land is not enough for them to live in the future.

"But Penangites who love nature very much will never allow Chow to carry out the reclamation project in Penang as it will seriously damage the environment and put sand in fishermen's rice bowls," he added.

Yeoh cited a Sahabat Alam Malaysia report which claimed that the 1,821ha PSR is not good for coastal areas and marine ecosystems, and would eventually destroy the livelihood of fisherfolk.

He also noted that many NGOs have stated that the reclamation project is still addled by numerous financial, social and environmental concerns.

"The motivation behind Chow's impatient reclamation is very doubtful," he said.

"The population of Penang may be growing rapidly, but the reality is, there are still many housing units in the state that are still vacant for sale.

"There is no need for manmade islands to build more houses in the south."

Yeoh also took aim at Chow (photo) saying that it is necessary to reclaim land to build more factories, which will help provide jobs for Penangites.

"But the future industrial heart of Penang has always been Batu Kawan (on the mainland). How was it suddenly moved to the manmade islands?" he asked.

Yeoh urged the chief minister to be transparent about the returns of the project, which may hit RM70 billion, and reveal the "ultimate beneficiary."

"If Penangites cannot benefit from it, will the returns go to the consortium involving in developing the Penang Transport Master Plan?

"Or is all of it flowing into the state government's pockets?" he asked.