Jobs don't drop from the sky #4

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I introduced myself to Razali, who was taking a break at the beach after coming back from the sea.

Razali, 51, is a fisherman at Penang south. He began working at the sea when he was 12.

Razali told me that he had previously applied to work in the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project but didn't get it.

I asked him, why a fisherman like him, who has worked for 39 years in the sea, wanted to quit and work for PSR?

Razali solemnly replied that there's no future as a coastal fisherman.

Although there's no reclamation in the southern sea right now (PSR hasn't started), Razali said that the catch in the area has been declining over the years.

"Hidup nelayan sekarang susah," he said.

Razali wanted to switch to jobs with better prospect, that's why he applied to work for PSR.

"Dapat kerja kat PSR bagus juga," said Razali.

However, PSR doesn't have any more opening right now. There'll only be more jobs once the reclamation work begin.

But Penang Forum together with PAS and Gerakan are lobbying hard to cancel PSR, wanting to eliminate the chances for local fishermen like Razali to have a better life.

I hope that the PSR will soon receive the necessary approval from federal agencies so that fishermen like Razali can benefit from the project.

Note: This 'Jobs don't drop from the sky' series uncovers real life stories of how actual Penangites from all walks of life are benefiting from the Penang South Reclamation project.

#1 : Abang Sam (former fisherman)

#2 : Pakcik Ismail & Mat (former fishermen)

#3 : Nina (young graduate with a degree in agricultural science)

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