Fishermen say ‘no’ to undersea tunnel project in Penang

The proposed 6.5km undersea tunnel project has received the thumbs down from fishermen in Tanjung Tokong.

Tanjung Tokong Fishermen Asso-ciation chairman Amran Taib said they were worried that their livelihood would be affected if the proposed tunnel linking Gurney Drive to Bagan Ajam in Butterworth was built.

“We fear the project will have a negative impact on the marine ecosystem along the coastlines here, which in turn will affect our income,” said Amran, an inshore fisherman.

He and 20 others took part in a demonstration in front of the association's office in Tanjung Tokong yesterday to urge the state government to scrap the proposed undersea tunnel.

“Now, most of us earn an average monthly income of RM800. What will happen to our rice bowls' once the proposed undersea tunnel is constructed?” asked Amran.

Another fisherman Rosli Abdul, 57, urged the state to reconsider the project as it could wipe out the fishermen community in Tanjung Tokong.

“Most of us are already in our 50s. We do not have the luxury of getting another job.

“If the project proceeds, it will affect our income as we do not have big boats and fancy equipment to go to the deep sea,” said Rosli.

The undersea tunnel is one of the four infrastructure projects totalling RM6.3bil announced by the state government.

The other three projects are the 4.6km bypass linking Air Hitam to Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, a 12km Tanjung Bungah-Teluk Bahang paired road and a 4.2km stretch between Gurney Drive and Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, bypassing the city centre.

Meanwhile, the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) urgedConsortium Zenith BUCG Sdn Bhd to engage Penang-based contractors for the job.

The consortium should also source its raw material from Penang.

PCCC president Datuk Seri Choot Ewe Seng said that giving out jobs to the Penang contractors would ensure that the local construction industry would benefit.

PCCC, he said, supported the project as it would improve the traffic flow.

Dap kerajaan Ditaktor bukan demokrasi.Kesian orang-orang Pulau Pinang