THE Penang South Islands (PSI) project could generate more job opportunities for the locals.
Dispelling allegations that certain people might be marginalised once the PSI is completed, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the PSI project would provide more career opportunities for the locals.
“I believe that many international and multinational corporations (MNCs) will invest in the 700-acre land allocated for the industry on Island A.
“Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may also invest.
“These companies will provide job opportunities which will benefit the locals. Our contractors, sub-contractors, and those from other fields will also benefit from their investments.
“In other words, those investments will bring a multiplier effect to the local economy.
“Housing, public facilities, infrastructure, and institutions will be developed to improve the state’s economy and the people’s wellbeing.
“In conclusion, we want everyone to enjoy the fruits of the state’s development.
“So how could the PSI project be marginalising any community?
“We depend on the investments from MNCs and the big companies.
“These investments, in turn, bring more job opportunities for the locals.
“So, by having them invest in the PSI project later, does it mean we are marginalising the locals? Definitely not,” he responded to a journalist after the Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house in Taman Tangling today.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report of the PSI project has received conditional approval from the Department of Environment (DoE) recently and the Penang State Secretary received a letter on April 11 informing the state government of the EIA approval.
The EIA approval includes 71 conditions to be complied with.
Chow reiterated the land reclamation works would only start after the PSI project receives the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) approval from the DoE.
He told a media conference on April 26 that the Penang government through its project delivery partner (PDP) for the PSI project is now in the process of applying for the EMP approval from the DoE.
“The EMP report contains the plans to comply with the conditions of the EIA approval.
“The DoE can ask us to revise or improve the EMP report if it is not satisfied with the report. We are open to the process,” Chow added.
The approved EIA was for the entire PSI project, involving the reclamation of three islands – Islands A, B and C.
The tri-islands (Islands A, B and C) will be located at the south end of Penang island, measuring a total of 4,500 acres in land size. Island A will be 2,300 acres in size, Island B will be 1,400 acres and Island C will be 800 acres.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi