SAM president S M Mohamed Idris supported the government’s proposal to devise improved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Detailed Environment Impact Assessment (DEIA) methods.
SAM has, for decades, been pointing out the inherent weaknesses in the current EIA and DEIA methods and process.
“In view of this, not only should Penang halt ongoing and proposed reclamation projects, all other reclamation projects nationwide should also stop,” he said when contacted.
Idris was commenting on a call by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar to the Penang state government to stop all reclamation works.
Wan Junaidi had said this was to allow a new and improved EIA and DEIA to be devised, since the present one was only environment-centric.
The Penang state government plans to reclaim over 3,000 acres in the form of three islands to finance its RM46 billion transport master plan.
Currently, the only reclamation project that is under way is off the waters of Gurney Drive, as part of the Gurney Wharf project.
Meanwhile, Idris said the natural resources and environment ministry ought to consider including a “Social Impact Assessment” (SIA) study to take into account the social impact of reclamation projects.
He said the fisherfolk were the most affected by reclamation as their catch dropped when reclamation was carried out.
“Improvements should not only be made to DEIA and EIAs, there must also be a comprehensive SIA to take into account the impact of these projects on the people.” Idris said.
He said the ministry should also issue stop-work orders on reclamation projects that ran the risk of polluting or destroying the environment.
“Stop-work orders and appropriate abatement and mitigation measures must be taken to prevent pollution and destruction of the environment resulting from reclamation projects,” he said.
Related story: