JOHOR BARU: The state government will set up a special fund to help fishermen who are affected by the reclamation projects in Iskandar Malaysia.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the decision was made at a recent Exco meeting and all developers who undertake reclamation projects in the area will contribute to the fund.
"The developers will have to contribute 30 sen for each square foot of land that they reclaim. The payment must be made before they start the reclamation projects and we will collect the payment retrospectively," said Khaled.
He said the decision was made following complaints from fishermen in Iskandar Malaysia who said that the reclamation projects have affected their livelihood.
"There are almost 8,000 acres (3,237.5 hectares) of reclamation projects that have been approved in Iskandar Malaysia, which means that the state government can collect about RM104 million for the fund.
"The affected fishermen will received the cash assistance from the fund annually starting next year and the amount that they will receive will be announced during the state budget announcement," said Khaled, adding that the fund will be managed by the state financial officer.
The menteri besar was speaking to the media after chairing the state Umno liaison committee meeting.