Why are 45 Penang NGOs urging PM Mahathir to cancel PSR project?

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Forty-five Penang NGOs Urge PM Mahathir to Cancel Penang South Reclamation Project Due to Unaddressed Public Concerns

Forty-five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Penang are planning to submit a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, requesting his intervention to cancel the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project. These NGOs believe the state government is disregarding public concerns and intends to proceed with the project despite ongoing protests. The PSR project was conceived by the Penang state government as a funding mechanism for the Penang Transport Master Plan, which carries an estimated cost of RM49 billion and aims to alleviate traffic congestion.
Memorandum to Prime Minister

The primary catalyst for the NGOs' action is their perception that the Penang state government is unresponsive to public grievances. Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latif, president of the Penang Malay Association (Pemenang) and a spokesperson for the coalition of 45 NGOs, stated that the memorandum is being prepared following discussions among the involved organisations. Copies of this memorandum will also be presented to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, indicating a broad appeal for intervention.
State Government's Perceived Disregard for Public Opinion

Mohd Yussof Latif articulated that the Prime Minister's intervention is deemed necessary because the state government "does not want to hear the people’s grouses and wants to continue with the project despite receiving protests from various parties." The NGOs express confidence that Tun Dr Mahathir will give serious consideration to their memorandum, citing his known concern for the populace's issues. This sentiment underscores the NGOs' belief that the Prime Minister is the appropriate figure to address their escalating concerns.
Project Rationale and Funding Mechanism

The Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project was initiated by the Penang state government with the specific objective of generating funds for the ambitious Penang Transport Master Plan. This comprehensive plan is projected to cost RM49 billion and is designed to address the persistent traffic congestion problems within the state. The PSR project, therefore, stands as a crucial, albeit controversial, financial instrument intended to enable the realisation of the transport infrastructure improvements.
Participating NGOs

The coalition advocating for the cancellation of the PSR project comprises a diverse group of organisations. Prominent among them, besides Pemenang, are the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), 4B Youth Alumni, the Tanjung Bunga Residents Association, and the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce. The involvement of these varied groups suggests a broad base of opposition to the reclamation project, encompassing consumer rights, youth engagement, local community interests, and business associations.

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Why are 45 Penang NGOs urging PM Mahathir to cancel PSR project?

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