Penang urged to review STP environmental impact

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Forum, a coalition of environmental and civil NGOs, has urged the state government to review the environmental impact of the first phase for Sri Tanjung Pinang (STP) before proceeding with phase two (STP II).
"This includes pollution of water and sedimentation along Pesiaran Gurney, the City Marina and Penang Port and the loss of marine resources. The Detailed Environment Impact Assessment (DEIA) for STP II revealed that the project would "forever alter the map of Penang's coast". The authorities need to be clear on why the project is needed," Penang Forum spokesman Datuk Dr Leong Yueh Kwang told a media briefing today.
The STP II project involves reclaiming 360ha off the coast near Pesiaran Gurney and is said to have a gross development value (GDV) of RM25 billion.
The massive kidney-shaped island is targeted to have 12,000 new residential units, in addition to commercial and retail development.
Leong also urged the authorities to obtain feedback from consultants who had experience in modeling sedimentation and coastal ecosystems like the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia.
"The Penang Forum would like to urge the authorities to organise a public forum for a full and transparent review of these colossal threats to the integrity of our coastlines, our marine life, our traditional fishing villages and our entire local environment," he said.