GEORGE TOWN, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Discussions with relevant parties will be held next week to seek the best solution for enforcing the fishing ban under the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS).
Penang Rural Development, Agro-technology and Food Security and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol said the matter would be examined, taking into account safety, regulations, and the livelihoods of the affected community.
“The issue was raised by tourist boat and fishing boat operators during a meeting with me recently. They voiced several concerns following the enforcement,” he told Bernama when contacted today.
He said the operators claimed that the fishing ban under both bridges had directly affected fishing activities, resulting in lower demand for fishing and tourist boat services.
The areas under the Penang Bridge and JSAHMS, also known as the Second Penang Bridge, have been gazetted as restricted areas and prohibited places under the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959 (Act 298), and classified as National Key Points.
Rashidi said the impact extended beyond boat operators to businesses in the wider supply chain, including fishing equipment and supplies, ice, food and other small businesses.
He said he would discuss the matter with the relevant parties next week to seek a balanced approach that safeguards safety and regulatory compliance while taking into account the livelihoods of boat operators and related businesses.
-- BERNAMA