Malaysia: 'Rapid project helps fishermen'

New Straits Times 7 Apr 14;

JOHOR BARU: The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) yesterday urged fishermen in Pengerang to give their full support to the US$27 billion (RM88.6 billion) Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project.

Its chairman, Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim, said Rapid would provide 4,000 jobs and needed about 40,000 contract workers.

He said the local community, particularly fishermen, should not be swayed by certain quarters who were trying to sabotage the development plan by saying that the fishermen were not being given a fair deal.

"The fishermen will have to be relocated for the development of Rapid. This should not be seen as something negative. The development is going to boost the economy of the state, which will, in turn, benefit the locals," Irmohizam said at dinner with members of the Johor Fishermen Association.

"The state government is building a new complex at Sungai Musoh which can accommodate 700 fishermen and 300 fishing boats.

"Before the new complex is ready, a temporary jetty will be built to ensure that those affected, can still carry on their operations without any glitches. Rapid will bring something positive to the social development of the state and the country."