GEORGE TOWN, Nov 12 — The Penang state government only approved two reclamation projects for Bayan Mutiara, which covers just 60 acres of land, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng insisted today.

He said the state did not approve any other reclamation projects in the state.

“As far as we are concerned, according to the state budget 2016, we only approved two reclamation projects covering a total 60 acres but I don’t know about those in the process of applying for approvals,” he said.

Lim was responding to questions by the Penang Consumers Association (CAP) on whether there is a reclamation project in Permatang Damar Laut.

The non-governmental organisation had urged Lim to reveal the project proposed for the site, which includes the hills and forest of Pantai Indah.

CAP president SM Mohamed Idris had revealed that survey and measuring works, including marking the area and digging of the seabed, were being carried out on the site.

“CAP is concerned and believes that if there is indeed a reclamation project slated for  implementation in this area it will affect the environment, lives and livelihood of the 300 fishermen who are dependent on marine resources in the area,” Mohamed Idris said in his statement.

In his response, Lim said any party could conduct surveys but added that he does not know what was being done at the site now.

“If the NGO is concerned about this, it is a good thing but they should only raise concerns over approved projects, don’t speculate on what we have not approved,” he said.

He also told CAP that if they are championing environment issues, they should be raising concerns over the clearing of the permanent forest reserves in Kelantan.

“I read reports that over 5,000 acres of permanent forest reserve in Kelantan is being cleared off, this is shocking, those who claim to be championing environmental causes should take up this cause instead of targeting Penang,” he said.