Bayan Lepas: Balik Pulau constituents, who are mostly fishermen, want nothing more than for the Penang South Islands (PSI) project to be cancelled.
Teluk Kumbar coastal fisherman Yahya Che Lah, 70, said whoever is elected to be the member of Parliament for Balik Pulau must solve the PSI issue and not let them live in a dilemma.
"We all know the pros and cons of the project and if it is let to continue, it will affect the livelihood of the fishermen.
"The elected member of parliament must not marginalise the fishermen. I am already old but we have to think of the young ones whose livelihood also depends on fishing as a source of income." he said when met today.
The PSI development project covers 17 sq km containing three artificial islands close to Permatang Damar Laut near Bayan Lepas, with various infrastructure projects worth RM46 billion planned under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PIP).
Yahya, who has some 50 years' experience as a fisherman in the area, said there are various types of sea snails there but their numbers are decreasing as there are mud in the waters.
Another Teluk Kumbar resident, Hasnah Ibrahim, 49, agrees with Yahya.
"If the project continues, not only fishermen, but residents may also be forced to move due to the development, she said.
Meanwhile, Barisan Nasional (BN) parliamentary candidate for Balik Pulau Datuk Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah said he would make PSI his priority if he is given the mandate in GE15.
He said the project is soley being considered on the business aspect, without taking into account the concerns of the community.
"The sea resources will disappear, their income and jobs will also disappear.
"If mandated, the area will be gazetted and turned into a fishing village in addition to helping to increase their income.
"If we look at the lives of fishermen abroad, they earn a high income and their methods can be used as an example," he said in Balik Pulau, here.
Shah Headan will be up against Perikatan Nasional candidate Muhammad Harris Idaham Abdul Rashid, Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik (Pakatan Harapan) and Fadzli Mohamad (Pejuang) and independents Datuk Seri Sabaruddin Ahmad and Datuk Seri Johnny C'hng Ewe Gee
