The coalition, Gerakan Malaysia Tolak Tambak, said 20 large-scale projects for reclamation and the creation of artificial islands, either being proposed or which are stalled, including those for sand mining, had brought about irreversible negative impact on the environment at the height of climate change.

“These projects privatise common fishing areas to real estate developers and speculators for the interest of certain parties. They deny the rights of fisherfolk to earn a living. Those living in the coastal areas could be forced out of their communities,” the group said in a statement today.

“Apart from negative impacts on fisherfolk, all these projects appeared to be not very transparent in terms of cost and public benefit.”

The group made several other demands, including recognition of coastal communities and their heritage, and for quick conservation of marine ecosystems to protect food security.

The group had a conference in Penang today, attended by more than 60 representatives of environmental societies and groups representing fisherfolk, including the National Fishermen’s Association.

The group’s chief Hamid Bahari hoped the incoming federal government would take heed of this issue faced by fisherfolk, as reclamation threatened their livelihoods.