GEORGE TOWN: A group of 50 fishermen, unhappy with the proposed Penang South Reclamation project, have staged a protest near here today.
They were seen carrying banners which read "Jerit perih nelayan tiada siapa ambil peduli" (Nobody cares about fishermen's hardship), Selamatkanlah kawasan aktiviti menangkap hasil laut kami" (Save our fishing spots) and "Nelayan Pulau Pinang terhimpit dengan kerakusan projek menambak laut." (Penang fishermen crushed by greedy reclamation project).
They were also heard chanting "Hidup Nelayan" (long live the fishermen) during the demonstration.
The group claimed to represent nearly 1,000 fishermen who came for an open dialogue with the state authorities on the project.
Led by Penang Fishermen Association chairman Nazri Ahmad, the group called on the authorities to stop the project altogether.
"There is no need for us to cheer for whatever compensation we will be offered.
"Ultimately, we will be at the losing end. We will lose our livelihood altogether," he said.
Nazri also said the fishermen would not be duped by the "sweet' offer of the authorities.
The Penang South Reclamation project will see the creation of three man-made islands where proceeds will be used to fund the Penang Transport Master Plan.