Concerns Over Reclamation Project at Jelutong Landfill
NGO Warns of Sedimentation and Habitat Destruction at Middle Bank
A non-governmental organization (NGO), Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee (ProtectKarpal), has expressed concerns over a planned reclamation project near the Jelutong landfill, citing potential risks to the ecologically sensitive Middle Bank.
Scientific Evidence Contradicts Chief Minister’s Assurance
Despite Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s assurance that the reclamation project would not encroach on Middle Bank, ProtectKarpal’s chairman, AD Chandrasekaran, emphasized that scientific evidence suggests otherwise. Chandrasekaran warned that sedimentation, habitat destruction, and disrupted currents would severely damage the fragile ecosystem, which is known for its marine life and seagrass beds.
Penang Institute’s Findings Contradict Chief Minister’s Stance
According to Chandrasekaran, the Penang Institute, the state’s own think tank, had emphasized the Middle Bank’s ecological significance and the need for its protection. Yet, the chief minister’s stance contradicts the institute’s own findings. Chandrasekaran also pointed out that the project’s environmental impact assessment states that the project site, including the proposed reclamation area, is located at Middle Bank.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia Backs ProtectKarpal’s Call
In a separate statement, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) backed ProtectKarpal’s call for the state to cancel the proposed reclamation, warning of pollution and marine ecosystem damage. SAM president Meenakshi Raman highlighted the EIA’s concerns over reclamation, including water quality deterioration from high turbidity, resuspended contaminants, oxygen depletion, nutrient release, and scum formation.
EIA Findings Suggest Alternative Solutions
According to Meenakshi, the EIA confirmed that the Jelutong landfill could be dismantled and rehabilitated without expanding the land, making reclamation unnecessary. The EIA presented three options – full closure and rehabilitation of the landfill area into a parkland, total redevelopment, or closure and waste removal.
Conclusion
The proposed reclamation project near the Jelutong landfill raises concerns about the potential risks to the ecologically sensitive Middle Bank. Despite the chief minister’s assurance, scientific evidence suggests that the project may still have a significant impact on the environment. ProtectKarpal and SAM urge the state to reconsider the project and explore alternative solutions that prioritize environmental protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the proposed reclamation project near the Jelutong landfill?
A: The project aims to reclaim 28.3ha of land using 5.2 million cubic metres of sand.
Q: What are the potential risks associated with the reclamation project?
A: Sedimentation, habitat destruction, and disrupted currents could severely damage the fragile ecosystem at Middle Bank.
Q: What is the position of the Penang Institute on the reclamation project?
A: The institute has emphasized the Middle Bank’s ecological significance and the need for its protection.
Q: What is the position of the chief minister on the reclamation project?
A: The chief minister has assured that the project will not encroach on Middle Bank, despite scientific evidence suggesting otherwise.