A centuries-old fishing jetty on Pangkor Island in Malaysia is at the centre of a contentious development proposal that could see it transformed into a massive £150 million waterfront complex aimed at tourists. The area, long utilised by local fishermen for generations, faces potential redevelopment under a government-backed plan that has sparked significant opposition from the community.
Proposed Transformation Sparks Local Outcry
The Rancangan Kawasan Khas Pulau Pangkor (RKK) plan, spearheaded by Perak government-linked company SSI, the local council, and Plan Malaysia—an agency under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government—envisions the removal of 27 jetties on the island, including the historic fishing jetty. In their place, a sprawling tourist waterfront would be constructed, with an estimated cost of RM800,000,000 (approximately £149,880,000).
Local residents were caught off guard by the proposals, discovering the potential changes only when attempting to renew their leases for the space. 'Nobody interviewed us, nobody conducted any survey to understand what we need and they just plan out of nowhere,' Yvonne Beh, a local resident, told the investigative journalism outlet The Fourth. 'Where are all these people going to go?' she questioned, highlighting fears of displacement.
Threats to Local Industry and Environment
The development raises alarms about the future of Pangkor Island's traditional industries. The island is a key supplier of ikan bilis mata biru, or dried anchovies, a crucial ingredient in nasi lemak, a beloved Malaysian dish. Locals worry that the project could jeopardise this supply chain and undermine their livelihoods.
Environmental concerns are also paramount, as Pangkor Island is recognised as one of Malaysia's most biodiverse zones, home to a rich array of wildlife, flora, and fauna. The plan includes reclassifying a permanent forest reserve area, prompting criticism from the Pangkor Island Development Committee. In a 2024 statement, the committee argued that the proposals 'will not help local residents but will affect their future' and could 'eliminate the identity (of this island) which is the pride of the natives of Pangkor.'
Questionable Sustainability and Past Failures
The committee further expressed doubts about the sustainability of the proposed tourist attractions, warning they risk becoming 'white elephant' projects. This scepticism is bolstered by past development failures on the island:
- The Teluk Dalam Resort opened in 1995 and closed in 2015, now left derelict.
- Pangkor Airport launched in 1993, shut down in 2014, briefly reopened in 2022 for five months, and has remained closed since.
These examples fuel concerns that the new waterfront could face similar fates, wasting resources and disrupting local life without delivering promised benefits.
Government and Council Responses
In 2024, the Manjung municipal council defended the plan, asserting it would 'increase employment opportunities and economic resources, especially in the tourism sector' and 'improve the quality of the environment and the physical appearance of Pangkor Island.' The council emphasised a focus on sustainable tourism and infrastructure upgrades, disputing claims that forest areas would be destroyed. 'This RKK also emphasises the preservation of forest reserves and no development will be carried out in forest reserves,' the report stated.
Another consultation with locals is scheduled, with the council maintaining that residents have been involved throughout the process. However, many community members feel inadequately consulted on how the project will impact their personal lives and the area's character.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Plan Malaysia, SSI, and the local council for further comment, as the debate over balancing tourism development with cultural preservation and environmental protection continues to unfold on Pangkor Island.
