Malaysia: Johor fishermen sue for compensation in land reclamation project

578 Fishermen File Suit For Compensation For Land Reclamation Project
Bernama 5 Apr 12;

JOHOR BAHARU, April 5 (Bernama) -- Some 578 traditional fishermen in Pengerang, Kota Tinggi, today filed a suit seeking compensation for land reclamation work in connection with the Deep Sea Petroleum Terminal project.

The writ of summons and statement of claim were filed by counsel Mohd Shujaa Halim of law firm Shujaa Mazri & Co at the High Court registrar office, Menara MSC Cyberport here.

Shujaa told reporters that the three defendants named in the suit were Pengerang Independent Terminal Sdn Bhd, Dialog E&L Sdn Bhd and the Johor state government.

The fishermen are seeking compensation of RM500,000 each for loss of income and an injunction restraining the first and second defendants from continuing work until their demands are met or after the compensation is awarded.

Earlier, some of the fishermen gathered peacefully in the compound of Menara MSC Cyberport before the writ of summons and statement of claim were filed.

-- BERNAMA

Reclamation Work In Accordance With Regulations, Says PITSB
Bernama 5 Apr 12;

JOHOR BAHARU, April 5 (Bernama) -- Pengerang Independent Terminal Sdn Bhd (PITSB) today stressed that its ongoing reclamation work at Pengerang is strictly in accordance with all regulatory conditions.

The company's secretary, Chew Eng Kar said this in a press statement following a legal suit filed against the company by some 578 traditional fishermen via their counsel Mohd Shujaa Halim of law firm Shujaa Mazri & Co at the High Court registrar office, Menara MSC Cyberport here today.

"It is premature to comment as the legal papers have not been served on lawyers representing Pengerang Independent Terminal Sdn Bhd (PITSB)," he said.

He said PITSB respected the right of the fishermen to seek legal redress for their alleged grievances and would investigate and respond accordingly at the appropriate time.

Chew added that PITSB was constantly enganging with the Johor State Government and all other relevant authorities to ensure genuine fishermen in Pengerang, affected by the company's project would be compensated.

-- BERNAMA