More than 200 residents of Pengerang, Johor, staged a demonstration against the proposed Refinery and Petroleum Intergrated Development (RAPID) project which will be commissioned by the end of 2016.
According to Kota Tinggi OCPD Che Mahazan, about 15 police personnel were on standby to ensure a peaceful demonstration. The residents were allowed a half an hour demonstration sans speeches and dialogue. They were permitted only to display placards and banners.
The RAPID project will affect the lives of more than 28,000 people, who are mostly fishermen, farmers and small business owners.
According to Ang Boon Hok, 60, his source of income from the sea has ceased and he has no other means of income. He said no one will employ him because of his advanced age. And after waiting for a year he has yet to be compensated for his ‘kelong’ which is his source of income.
Video by: Christine Leong, Citizen Journalist Malaysia