KUANTAN: A group of concerned residents in the state capital where a mega reclamation exercise had been proposed have initiated an online petition calling for the cancellation of the seafront project.
The group, calling themselves A Very Concerned Malaysian Love Malaysia, are objecting to the Kuantan Laguna Resort City (KLRC) which will be developed on an area measuring 730ha, roughly the size of 1,000 football fields, along the coastline of Pantai Teluk Sisek, Pantai Gelora and Tanjung Api.
They strongly believe the entire project which will take about two decades to complete will have many negative impacts to the city, the fishermen community, local economy and land and water ecosystem.
"The proposed project would adversely change the unique characteristics of the city. The sandy beaches have been a favourite for many generations as the rest and recreational spots are located within minutes from the residential areas.
"The proposed middle and low density residential areas (at KLRC) seems to suggest that the luxury units will be affordable to the wealthier homebuyers and their presence may change the existing characteristics of the long-established communities," read the petition.
The group claimed the livelihood of the coastal fishermen would be jeopardised as their regular fishing spots were usually along the stretch between Tanjung Api and Teluk Cempedak.
"Majority of the fishermen cannot afford to go deep-sea fishing due to higher cost. Land reclamation will force fishermen to travel further out to sea to catch fish as the project will affect the sea ecology along the coastline.
"The project will result in the Sungai Kuantan river mouth becoming narrow and making it difficult for water upstream to flow out to sea, leading to potential floods in the low-lying areas," it read.
The group had also questioned the Pahang government's move to plan the second waterfront project - KLRC - as the previous Kuantan Waterfront Resort City (KWRC) at Tanjung Lumpur which was announced in 2012 has to date shown little progress.
"KWRC seems to be located at a better location to boost local entrepreneurs' economy and the tourism sector. Tanjung Lumpur, located less than five minutes from Kuantan city, is popular for seafood and there is no need for the KLRC project," it said.
Residents were also concerned about the long-term effect of the land reclamation project resulting in increased noise and dust pollution in the nearby residential areas.
"Such environmental stress can negatively impact the health and well-being of the people, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. Both Jalan Teluk Sisek and Teluk Cempedak not only cater to those living in the area but visitors to the beach (Teluk Cempedak) and other surrounding attractions here.
"The project will see an increase in traffic and cause a lot of disruptions resulting in stress to those living in the surrounding housing settlements," it read.
The group pleaded to decision-makers, the authorities, and developers to reconsider the implication and study more sustainable alternatives that will prioritise the well-being of the communities, help preserve the fragile ecosystem, and safeguard the coastal heritage for future generations.
An online petition at https://www.change.org calling for the land reclamation to be ceased has so far garnered 342 signatures since it was launched last week. (https://www.change.org/p/stop-land-reclamation-at-pantai-gelora-pantai-t...)
The New Straits Times last month reported that Pahang could witness its first land reclamation project through KLRC, an integrated sea-facing resort, leisure and entertainment destination here.
According to the Kuantan District Locality Plan 2035 Draft (Alteration 1), the main components of the mixed development project includes a waterfront and seafront living properties, an international terminal for cruise liners and a light city.
The Pahang Malaysian Nature Society had raised concerns saying giving the project the go-ahead would be 'disasterious'.
