More than 200 fishermen and about 50 civil society members gathered at Padang Polo on 24 August to protest the proposed Penang South Reclamation. The main messages were "Sea Clean Up Instead of More Reclamation" and "The Government is Responsible for All Coastal Pollution". A fisherman from Bagan Ajam dedciated his poem to Malaysia's fishermen, remembering how they contributed to the country since Merdeka.
Do You Remember the Way Things Were…
Before the nation achieved independence and prosperity, there was a time when most people, including our ancestors, were fishermen and farmers. The labours of fishermen and farmers gave rise to the experts, the intellectuals, the leaders and the millionaires.
With the contributions of fishermen and farmers, little by little, the country grew in size and strength and entered the world of industry. Foreign countries were ahead of us in monopolizing the industrial world, but their fishermen and farmers moved along with their industrial success because of their focus and government provision of infrastructure, and also because of their growing love for the environment and eco-system.
But to our boundless shame, when Malaysia is approaching its 62th anniversary – and even while many intellectuals, millionaires, experts and leaders are feasting on the fishermen’s catch in luxury hotels and famous restaurants – they have forgotten the labours of the fishermen and farmers.
During this time, the Penang fishermen are forlorn, weeping and lamenting the destruction of the eco-system and their main source of income because day by day their sea is being encroached upon by the human hands of greed. The group that is only interested in their own stomach is willing to let the Penang fishermen and their families endure a darker tomorrow.
Perhaps there is a voice who says that the fishermen are “barking at a hill” but we fishermen will continue to strive even a plate of rice, even though the government has brushed us aside. But don’t forget the nation was once built on the fishermen’s blood, sweat and tears.
All you leaders and Your Honourables, remember that we also have families to feed. Don’t treat us as trouble-makers or we can also treat you likewise when your term of power is up. Happy 62nd Merdeka Anniversary wishes from us, the oppressed fishermen of Penang.
Press Statement, Persatuan Nelayan Pulau Pinang, 24 August 2019
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