Malaysia's Plan to Construct Artificial Islands Divides Citizens

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Kuala Lumpur - Penang Island on the northeast coast of Malaysia is known for its sandy beaches, colorful wall murals in the administrative center of Georgetown, and spicy food sold at street stalls. In the future, three artificial islands are to be constructed in the area, which authorities say are necessary to provide housing and job opportunities for the growing population, writes Reuters.

The project, known as BiodiverCity, pits the government and businesses against fishermen and environmentalists, who argue that building the islands will destroy the lives of many residents and harm the coastline.

"The area is rich in shrimp and fish. If artificial islands are built here, it will cause permanent ecological damage," says Mahadi Md Rodzi, chairman of the Penang Fishermen's Association, which has 6,000 members.

"Fishermen have been told to upgrade their skills or find other jobs, but many of us were born fishermen and depend on the sea. The proposed compensation from the state is insufficient when you consider that it will affect our livelihoods forever," he adds.

Many fishermen have rejected compensation of 20,000 ringgit (106,000 CZK), as well as a government report assessing the environmental impacts, which according to environmentalists does not reflect potential harmful consequences nor offer adequate solutions.

The project involves three lotus-shaped islands that will span an area of 1,821 hectares and provide housing for about 15,000 people each. Authorities promise that BiodiverCity, which aims to make Penang a better and more sustainable place to live by 2030, will emphasize green spaces, clean energy, and car-free transport. Materials such as bamboo and wood will be used for the construction of residential and office buildings.

Dredging sand from the seabed and other works will cause "huge, long-lasting ecological damage," says environmental researcher on Penang Island, Evelyn Teho.

Designers have been building artificial islands for new offices, apartments, and tourist resorts from Denmark to Singapore for several decades. Cities and island states that are running out of space may expand upwards or underground, or take on more land.

In Asia, building artificial islands is a controversial topic. Cambodia and Malaysia have already banned sand exports, Indonesia's capital Jakarta has suspended its artificial island project, and a plan to build such an island in Hong Kong has sparked sharp criticism.

In Malaysia, construction of an artificial island for the Melaka Gateway port center, which was to become part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, was recently halted. The city of Forest City being built on an artificial island near Singapore is also a source of disputes.

Construction off Penang Island, where further expansion of residential areas is hampered by hilly terrain, is expected to begin in March. "Artificial islands are built for the rich, but sometimes also for the survival of cities," said former local councillor Joshua Woo.

An online petition against the project has already collected more than 115,000 signatures, and a group of local residents has organized several protests. "By building artificial islands, the state is taking on huge financial risks at a time of economic slowdown," Teho said, adding that the project will only benefit a small group of people.