Covid-19 has destroyed thousands of jobs, why is Penang Forum stopping job creation?
Penang Forum members have been lobbying hard to cancel development projects that can generate thousands of new job opportunities in Penang.
Their latest statement opposing the Penang South Reclamation (PSR), penned by Khoo Salma, is a disappointing piece, not only because it contains many misleading information but also of its disregard for the wellbeing of Penangites and the future of Penang.[1]
What is misleading? Many, but I shall just point to the one with misleading impression that the State Government is not developing Seberang Perai or optimising mainland for industrial expansion.
The impression is misleading because out of the 10 industrial parks developed by the State Government, 9 of them are located at Seberang Perai.
For further expansion of industrial development, another 1,156 acres of new lots on the mainland were identified for industrial use on top of the initial 2,898 acres that have been allocated.[2]
State Government is optimising the mainland for the state’s economic development, contrary to the false impression given by Penang Forum.
Now, back to job creation.
Generating new jobs is especially important during the current Covid-19 crisis when many Penangites are suffering from retrenchment.
Many are hoping that their savings can last until the crisis is over.
The PSR and the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) have been identified by the Penang Socio-Economic Recovery Consultative Council – comprises of industrial leaders and state leaders – as key recovery drivers to create jobs and stimulate the state’s economy through domestic investment.[3]
I have spoken to those involved in PSR and PTMP and was told that more than 100 Penangites are currently employed for the two projects. That means hundred of families have food on their table because of these projects.
Will Penang Forum be happy when a hundred families go hungry due to the cancellation of the projects as the result of the NGO’s lobby?
I was also told that the first three years of the reclamation will generate another 5,000 new jobs in Penang, which include job opportunities with stable income for the fishermen in the PSR area.
37% of the participants at the walk-in job interview held on 24 April 2021 were fishermen looking for new job opportunities provided by PSR.[4] These chances for a more stable life will be ruined if the PSR is cancelled.
What is Penang Forum trying to prove by wanting to stop job creation in Penang? What do they gain when Penangites have no jobs?
Their latest statement opposing the Penang South Reclamation (PSR), penned by Khoo Salma, is a disappointing piece, not only because it contains many misleading information but also of its disregard for the wellbeing of Penangites and the future of Penang.[1]
What is misleading? Many, but I shall just point to the one with misleading impression that the State Government is not developing Seberang Perai or optimising mainland for industrial expansion.
The impression is misleading because out of the 10 industrial parks developed by the State Government, 9 of them are located at Seberang Perai.
For further expansion of industrial development, another 1,156 acres of new lots on the mainland were identified for industrial use on top of the initial 2,898 acres that have been allocated.[2]
State Government is optimising the mainland for the state’s economic development, contrary to the false impression given by Penang Forum.
Now, back to job creation.
Generating new jobs is especially important during the current Covid-19 crisis when many Penangites are suffering from retrenchment.
Many are hoping that their savings can last until the crisis is over.
The PSR and the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) have been identified by the Penang Socio-Economic Recovery Consultative Council – comprises of industrial leaders and state leaders – as key recovery drivers to create jobs and stimulate the state’s economy through domestic investment.[3]
I have spoken to those involved in PSR and PTMP and was told that more than 100 Penangites are currently employed for the two projects. That means hundred of families have food on their table because of these projects.
Will Penang Forum be happy when a hundred families go hungry due to the cancellation of the projects as the result of the NGO’s lobby?
I was also told that the first three years of the reclamation will generate another 5,000 new jobs in Penang, which include job opportunities with stable income for the fishermen in the PSR area.
37% of the participants at the walk-in job interview held on 24 April 2021 were fishermen looking for new job opportunities provided by PSR.[4] These chances for a more stable life will be ruined if the PSR is cancelled.
What is Penang Forum trying to prove by wanting to stop job creation in Penang? What do they gain when Penangites have no jobs?
References
[1]https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2021/05/689811/penang-south-reclamation-who-does-it-serve
[2]https://www.buletinmutiara.com/penang-govt-to-ensure-adequate-supply-of-industrial-lands/ and https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2019/05/02/with-land-for-industries-running-out-we-sorely-need-3-island-project-says-chow/
[3]https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2021/02/17/penang-transport-master-plan-part-of-covid-19-recovery-efforts-says-state-e/1950528
[4]https://www.facebook.com/pusatperkhidmatansetempatnelayan/posts/4110184375711596
