Penang South Islands destroys livelihood of fishermen?

"Fishermen who support the Penang South Islands (PSI) project, which recently obtained its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report approval, are rejoicing in what they describe as a “Hari Raya gift”. (Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/natio...)

Seven other things about PSI and fishermen.

1) 200 satellite images have shown conclusively that there are popular fishing grounds outside of the PSI footprint. Fishermen can still go to the sea and continue fishing with the development of PSI. Moreover, the PSI will create a 250 metres-wide navigation channel for fishermen to access the sea 24/7.

2) PSI project provides free larger and more powerful boat to the fishermen near to the project area. Each set costs about RM80,000 and provided free from the PSI project to the fishermen. No other project in the country that helps the fishermen in this way.

3) PSI also provides free reskilling training for fishermen to be certified seafarers. This is to empower fishermen with additional skillset should they want to switch job or earn extra income. PSI also prepares up to RM20,000 ex-gratia financial aid for qualified fishermen.

4) PSI provides free tuition and scholarship for fishermen’s children. 90% of the fishermen’s children do not want to be fishermen. However, without development that creates jobs, many of them may not have another alternative. This is why the development of PSI is so important. It is estimated that the project will create over 400,000 jobs of which will benefit many locals.

5) Many fishermen who support the PSI are being bullied and silenced by the fishermen association. Fishermen who support PSI allegedly face difficulty renewing insurance and license through the association. Without those documents, fishermen won’t be able to work and receive monthly allowance and fuel subsidy from Federal Government. Fortunately, the PSI engagement centre steps in and helps to renew these fishermen’s insurance and license so that they can continue to work.

6) PSI has an ecological offset masterplan in place to mitigate the impact and rejuvenate the marine ecology. In fact, even before the reclamation started, PSI has directly and indirectly involved in planting more than 3,600 mangrove trees and released 2 million fish fry. Proven techniques such as the deployment of artificial reefs, fish aggregating devices, and construction of eco-shorelines will also be carried out under PSI.

Experts from Universiti Sains Malaysia and other marine consultancies have been engaged to conduct studies to monitor and improve the fishery condition in the PSI nearby area.

7) PSI has already created new and stable jobs for fishermen who want a career switch. Fishermen have no stable income and retirement fund (EPF). Many local fishermen are currently employed under the PSI project.