Jelutong reclamation risks vital ecosystem, it's not the only threat
Catherine Zhang
Published: Mar 21, 2025 10:50 AM
Updated: 7:30 PM
Summary
- Scientists warn that the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation Project may harm the ecologically vital Middle Bank seagrass meadow, which plays a crucial role in marine biodiversity and carbon storage.
- Multiple large-scale projects, including Penang Silicon Island and transport infrastructure, threaten the Middle Bank, while experts argue that urban conservation and development can coexist with proper planning.
- Despite low public awareness, most Penang residents favour conservation.
As plans for the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation Project are revealed, scientists working to protect the Middle Bank area in the Penang Straits questioned if reclamation so close to the ecologically sensitive area could cause irreparable harm.
According to the recently published Environmental Assessment Impact (EIA) report, land reclamation for this project would likely encroach into the Middle Bank, a seagrass meadow which plays a vital ecological role.
The project, meant to rehabilitate the 40-year-old landfill and rejuvenate the area for other land use, stretches 160 acres (64.7ha).
This includes 90 acres where the landfill is and 70 acres via reclamation, according to the EIA published on Feb 12 and is open for public feedback until tomorrow (March 22).
With a buffer zone of 500m, the project is likely to encroach on the boundaries of the Middle Bank, said Aileen Tan, a Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) professor leading the marine research centre there.
“When I look at the report, (it looks like) they are planning to set a 500-metre buffer zone from the Jelutong landfill and reclamation area. This will go into half of the Middle Bank.
“Political will is the only way to create a balance between conservation and development,” she said.
Tan is director of USM’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs) and chair of Unesco’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission of the Western Pacific.
Key information on the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation Project, based on the Environmental Impact Assessment Report published on Feb 12 (Source: https://protect-middle-bank.pages.dev/ )
Just last year, the state government shelved plans to declare the Middle Bank a protected marine sanctuary.
Many of those who were involved in the work to push for the Middle Bank’s protection appear to have been left in the dark over this.
The absence of references in the EIA to previous studies, including by the Penang Institute in 2023, detailing the impact of development near the Middle Bank, also raises questions.
The Jelutong project is one of various projects proposed within a 10km radius of the Middle Bank, several of which include reclamation plans.
This is because the Middle Bank, which includes the Pulau Gazumbo area, is a prime target for developers, due to its stable ground, experts say.
The expansive seagrass meadow of the Middle Bank acts as an “ecological engineer”, stabilising the seabed by holding down the sand, making it ideal for land reclamation, said Jillian Ooi, Universiti Malaya’s marine ecologist.
“It takes much less effort to reclaim land where there is a seagrass meadow, and that is the biggest threat of all,” she said.
Just last year, the state government shelved plans to declare the Middle Bank a protected marine sanctuary.
Many of those who were involved in the work to push for the Middle Bank’s protection appear to have been left in the dark over this.
The absence of references in the EIA to previous studies, including by the Penang Institute in 2023, detailing the impact of development near the Middle Bank, also raises questions.
The Jelutong project is one of various projects proposed within a 10km radius of the Middle Bank, several of which include reclamation plans.
This is because the Middle Bank, which includes the Pulau Gazumbo area, is a prime target for developers, due to its stable ground, experts say.
The expansive seagrass meadow of the Middle Bank acts as an “ecological engineer”, stabilising the seabed by holding down the sand, making it ideal for land reclamation, said Jillian Ooi, Universiti Malaya’s marine ecologist.
“It takes much less effort to reclaim land where there is a seagrass meadow, and that is the biggest threat of all,” she said.
Jillian Ooi, Universiti Malaya marine ecologist
Already, there are at least five projects planned or already underway, located within a 5km radius of the Middle Bank.
This includes mega-developments like the Penang Port and the Penang Master Transport Plan, which covers the construction of the controversial undersea tunnel and Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT).
The Penang Silicon Island (PSI) project, formerly Penang South Island, belongs to the state government.
The mega-development is expected to generate a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) impact of RM1.1 trillion, attract a total investment of RM74.7 billion, while creating 220,000 job opportunities, widely benefiting citizens.
But at what cost?
Why the Middle Bank is so important
The Middle Bank is rich in biodiversity and consists of seagrass meadows, tidal mudflats, sandy beaches, and some mangroves.
The area includes two man-made islands - the partially submerged Pulau Gazumbo Kecil and Pulau Gazumbo Besar, named after a P Ramlee film, by the late senior marine biologist Zulfigar Yasin who championed the area’s protection.
The Middle Bank is home to the only seagrass meadow in the Straits of Malacca, covering 10 sq km between the Penang Straits.
Seagrass has the ability to absorb carbon up to 40 times more effectively than forests and can store up to 18 percent of oceanic carbon - making them a key player in the fight against climate change.
Already, there are at least five projects planned or already underway, located within a 5km radius of the Middle Bank.
This includes mega-developments like the Penang Port and the Penang Master Transport Plan, which covers the construction of the controversial undersea tunnel and Mutiara Light Rail Transit (LRT).
The Penang Silicon Island (PSI) project, formerly Penang South Island, belongs to the state government.
The mega-development is expected to generate a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) impact of RM1.1 trillion, attract a total investment of RM74.7 billion, while creating 220,000 job opportunities, widely benefiting citizens.
But at what cost?
Why the Middle Bank is so important
The Middle Bank is rich in biodiversity and consists of seagrass meadows, tidal mudflats, sandy beaches, and some mangroves.
The area includes two man-made islands - the partially submerged Pulau Gazumbo Kecil and Pulau Gazumbo Besar, named after a P Ramlee film, by the late senior marine biologist Zulfigar Yasin who championed the area’s protection.
The Middle Bank is home to the only seagrass meadow in the Straits of Malacca, covering 10 sq km between the Penang Straits.
Seagrass has the ability to absorb carbon up to 40 times more effectively than forests and can store up to 18 percent of oceanic carbon - making them a key player in the fight against climate change.
This vital ecosystem also serves as nursery grounds for juvenile marine life and supports coastal communities, for which fishing is a form of livelihood.
The seagrass meadows support over 150 species of flora and fauna, according to Cemacs, which is advocating for it to be gazetted as a protected area.
And once they’re gone, it will take a long time to restore, said Ooi.
“The average success rate for restoration is less than 40 percent,” she said.
“Even if there were plans to replant them, the seagrass would die very quickly.”
Seagrass at the Middle Bank.
Giving up a gem
Truly a hidden gem, the Middle Bank becomes visible to the naked eye during very low tide.
Otherwise, this treasure trove is only known primarily to academics conducting research and to activists advocating for its protection before various development projects cause damage.
Giving up a gem
Truly a hidden gem, the Middle Bank becomes visible to the naked eye during very low tide.
Otherwise, this treasure trove is only known primarily to academics conducting research and to activists advocating for its protection before various development projects cause damage.
In fact, the reclamation of the Middle Bank area has been in the plans for years - at least according to the Penang Structure Plan 2030, published Oct 24, 2019.
Since then, the locations of the Mutiara LRT and the Penang Undersea Tunnel projects have realigned to the Penang Port’s expansion.
However, the revisions have not reduced the threat to the Middle Bank.
These particular projects remain within 5km of the Middle Bank, with the exception of the Penang Silicon Island (PSI), which poses a threat to the ecological integrity of the Middle Bank.
Artist rendition of the Penang South Islands, as the three planned reclamation islands project was known.
Once referred to as the Penang South Islands project, it was first conceived as a set of three man-made islands to be developed to pay for the LRT project but has been reduced to just one island following stiff resistance from environmentalists and coastal communities.
The compromise was brokered amid intervention from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but experts say the anticipated negative ecological impact of the project on the Middle Bank remains.
Altering hydrodynamics
Developments near ecologically sensitive areas can alter hydrodynamics, causing siltation and subsequent sedimentation, which may smother and damage seagrass meadows, Ooi said.
Once referred to as the Penang South Islands project, it was first conceived as a set of three man-made islands to be developed to pay for the LRT project but has been reduced to just one island following stiff resistance from environmentalists and coastal communities.
The compromise was brokered amid intervention from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, but experts say the anticipated negative ecological impact of the project on the Middle Bank remains.
Altering hydrodynamics
Developments near ecologically sensitive areas can alter hydrodynamics, causing siltation and subsequent sedimentation, which may smother and damage seagrass meadows, Ooi said.
The Penang undersea tunnel project is a 7.2km tunnel connecting George Town with the mainland.
State executive councillor for infrastructure, transport, and digital Zairil Khir Johari confirmed that several projects within the vicinity of the Middle Bank, such as the PSI, are a joint venture between the state and a private company.
The undersea tunnel is a state-owned initiative, the LRT is a federal-owned project, while the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation Project is privately owned.
Zairil added that each of those projects requires an EIA report and once they are approved, there will be conditions that need to be fulfilled, including Environmental Management Plans.
He said projects owned by the state government will fulfil the requirements as listed by the EIA.
“However, the Department of Environment (DOE) has to keep track of the construction,” he said.
Malaysiakini has also contacted the Penang Port Commission and PLB Engineering, which owns the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation project, for comment.
Poor public awareness
One reason the development plans keep getting revived, despite their potential adverse ecological impact, is poor public awareness of Middle Bank’s value, environmentalists say.
This was evident through an online survey conducted by the writer on some 114 Penang residents in the state’s five districts.
Most of the respondents were aged 35 to 55, university-educated, and lived on Penang Island.
Of those surveyed, only about half said they were aware of the Middle Bank, but 73 percent said they didn’t know the Middle Bank is the only seagrass meadow in the Straits of Malacca.
Yet despite their poor awareness levels, almost all respondents - 94 percent - said they would prefer conservation over the development of the Middle Bank.
Conservation or development
For the state think tank, Penang Institute (PI), development and conservation is not a zero-sum game.
There is a way to do both, said PI’s Middle Bank project lead and operations director, Ong Siou Woon, who worked alongside marine biologist Zulfigar Yasin to push for the area’s protection.
Speaking on the issue at the Green City Investment Forum 2024 in November, Ong said there is a misperception that environment conservation equals monetary loss.
“Urban development and urban conservation can co-exist without one depriving the other of its benefit,” she said.
Conservation, too, can be a form of investment, which could grow revenue through activities like controlled harvesting and eco-tourism, she added.
“This can become the development model of the future.”
State executive councillor for infrastructure, transport, and digital Zairil Khir Johari confirmed that several projects within the vicinity of the Middle Bank, such as the PSI, are a joint venture between the state and a private company.
The undersea tunnel is a state-owned initiative, the LRT is a federal-owned project, while the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation Project is privately owned.
Zairil added that each of those projects requires an EIA report and once they are approved, there will be conditions that need to be fulfilled, including Environmental Management Plans.
He said projects owned by the state government will fulfil the requirements as listed by the EIA.
“However, the Department of Environment (DOE) has to keep track of the construction,” he said.
Malaysiakini has also contacted the Penang Port Commission and PLB Engineering, which owns the Jelutong Rehabilitation and Reclamation project, for comment.
Poor public awareness
One reason the development plans keep getting revived, despite their potential adverse ecological impact, is poor public awareness of Middle Bank’s value, environmentalists say.
This was evident through an online survey conducted by the writer on some 114 Penang residents in the state’s five districts.
Most of the respondents were aged 35 to 55, university-educated, and lived on Penang Island.
Of those surveyed, only about half said they were aware of the Middle Bank, but 73 percent said they didn’t know the Middle Bank is the only seagrass meadow in the Straits of Malacca.
Yet despite their poor awareness levels, almost all respondents - 94 percent - said they would prefer conservation over the development of the Middle Bank.
Conservation or development
For the state think tank, Penang Institute (PI), development and conservation is not a zero-sum game.
There is a way to do both, said PI’s Middle Bank project lead and operations director, Ong Siou Woon, who worked alongside marine biologist Zulfigar Yasin to push for the area’s protection.
Speaking on the issue at the Green City Investment Forum 2024 in November, Ong said there is a misperception that environment conservation equals monetary loss.
“Urban development and urban conservation can co-exist without one depriving the other of its benefit,” she said.
Conservation, too, can be a form of investment, which could grow revenue through activities like controlled harvesting and eco-tourism, she added.
“This can become the development model of the future.”
Penang Institute’s Ong Siou Woon
The terminology, urban marine conservation, a concept promoted by PI, is to ensure there is a balance between marine health conservation and urban development, said Ong.
“If ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is all about greening the supply chain, then environmental restoration and conservation costs should be channelled back into the ecosystem to ensure continued supply of raw materials.”
Cemacs proposed the demarcation of an area of about 5.5km (from the north to the south) and 2.7km at its widest point near the Penang Bridge. That is, until the recent postponement.
Tan said the shape of the boundaries was derived from many stakeholder engagements and their concerns before the establishment of the sanctuary.
The terminology, urban marine conservation, a concept promoted by PI, is to ensure there is a balance between marine health conservation and urban development, said Ong.
“If ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is all about greening the supply chain, then environmental restoration and conservation costs should be channelled back into the ecosystem to ensure continued supply of raw materials.”
Cemacs proposed the demarcation of an area of about 5.5km (from the north to the south) and 2.7km at its widest point near the Penang Bridge. That is, until the recent postponement.
Tan said the shape of the boundaries was derived from many stakeholder engagements and their concerns before the establishment of the sanctuary.
Aileen Tan, director of USM’s Centre for Marine Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (Cemacs) documents sea grass at the Middle Bank.
As far as the Middle Bank is concerned, there needs to be a tailored approach to the development to balance ecological sensitivity and impact on coastal communities like fisherfolks, said Jedi Network for Ecology and Climate project coordinator Andrew Han.
He said that while the standard concept of a marine sanctuary bars any fishing or harvesting in its borders, this would detrimentally impact local fisherfolk who harvest in the ecologically rich waters.
He pointed out that fisherfolk recognise and understand the ecological connection of the Middle Bank in sustaining their livelihood.
“They even have a roster among themselves to catch certain types of seafood so that their catch remains high-quality and not overfished.”
As far as the Middle Bank is concerned, there needs to be a tailored approach to the development to balance ecological sensitivity and impact on coastal communities like fisherfolks, said Jedi Network for Ecology and Climate project coordinator Andrew Han.
He said that while the standard concept of a marine sanctuary bars any fishing or harvesting in its borders, this would detrimentally impact local fisherfolk who harvest in the ecologically rich waters.
He pointed out that fisherfolk recognise and understand the ecological connection of the Middle Bank in sustaining their livelihood.
“They even have a roster among themselves to catch certain types of seafood so that their catch remains high-quality and not overfished.”
Aquaculture cages near the Jelutong coastline, as captured by the Penang Institute in its study of the Middle Bank.
Han also said fisherfolk in the Penang Straits are facing multiple development pressures that have significantly reduced their fishing grounds and livelihoods.
“To the north, the Andaman Island reclamation project; to the south, the Silicon Island reclamation.
“Sandwiched between these two major developments, the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, if subject to the same regulations, will only heighten competition and conflict among fishers in the Straits of Penang,” he said.
With the state pushing forward with mega-developments in the sensitive area, advocates for this win-win solution are left wondering what the next steps could be to conserve this crucial gem hiding below the sea.
This article was supported by the Earth Journalism Network, as part of its Strengthening Transparency in Infrastructure Development Through Environmental Reporting in Southeast Asia initiative, in partnership with Malaysiakini.
Han also said fisherfolk in the Penang Straits are facing multiple development pressures that have significantly reduced their fishing grounds and livelihoods.
“To the north, the Andaman Island reclamation project; to the south, the Silicon Island reclamation.
“Sandwiched between these two major developments, the Middle Bank Marine Sanctuary, if subject to the same regulations, will only heighten competition and conflict among fishers in the Straits of Penang,” he said.
With the state pushing forward with mega-developments in the sensitive area, advocates for this win-win solution are left wondering what the next steps could be to conserve this crucial gem hiding below the sea.
This article was supported by the Earth Journalism Network, as part of its Strengthening Transparency in Infrastructure Development Through Environmental Reporting in Southeast Asia initiative, in partnership with Malaysiakini.
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