KUALA LUMPUR (April 4): Residents of Karpal Singh Drive in Georgetown, Penang, have called on the state government to halt a proposed 70-acre coastal reclamation project, part of the Jelutong landfill rehabilitation, citing concerns over its impact on marine ecosystems, particularly the Middle Bank.

While acknowledging the need to address the long-standing landfill issue, residents argue that the developer’s plan to reclaim a large portion of coastline for recycling machinery is unnecessary and contradicts established scientific practices.

The Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee, representing local residents, pointed out that the developer’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) confirms that Phase 1 (WP1) of the project can be carried out within the existing 90-acre landfill area, casting doubt on the need for the 70-acre expansion. They propose extending the rehabilitation timeline to 5-10 years to allow phased processing, which would eliminate the need for reclamation.

The committee also highlighted that global best practices, such as landfill mining, modular recycling, and in-situ reclamation, offer effective alternatives to large-scale coastal reclamation. They urged the state government to consult with scientists, conservationists, and local communities to find a balanced solution that protects both the environment and the development needs of the region.

“This is not a choice between progress and preservation — urban development and conservation can coexist,” the committee stated. “The Middle Bank supports our fisheries, protects our shores, and combats climate change. We cannot afford to lose it.”

The 70-acre reclamation is part of the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, which aims to create three man-made islands off the southern coast of Penang Island, covering 4,500 acres. The rehabilitation of the Jelutong Landfill, which is expected to cost RM1 billion, was agreed upon by the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PLB Engineering Bhd (KL:PLB) in 2020.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow recently assured that the project would not impact the Middle Bank, noting that the rehabilitation is expected to take 5-6 years but has not started due to pending EIA approval. However, the committee maintains that expert analysis and scientific evidence suggest otherwise, reinforcing their call for a more sustainable approach.

The Protect Karpal Singh Drive Action Committee, made up of residents from nearby communities, was formed to promote a sustainable approach to landfill rehabilitation and oppose the 70-acre coastal reclamation project.

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Penang CM says land reclamation project will not affect Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary