Depleted mangroves around the Koay Jetty in George Town, Penang, will be replaced as part of an alternative plan to turn the site into a world-class heritage and nature park, said a lobby group formed to preserve the area.

The proposal has been submitted to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi by the Support Koay Jetty and Mangrove Action Group, which comprises 10 non-governmental organisations.

The state government has been clearing the mangroves in order to redevelop the area into a new commercial-cum-housing and transportation hub over the next four years.

However, the lobby group's proposal would see the site being turned into a township with an ecological and heritage centre, affordable housing and sustainable transportation. The group has started replanting the mangroves near the Koay Jetty.

Spokesperson Dr Anwar Fazal called on the premier to change the mind of the Penang government and other relevant authorities.

"We can still have houses, a transportation hub, tourism-related businesses and affordable basic facilities for researchers to stay and carry out their studies on the area," he said.

"A rare urban heritage mangrove park, and a marine, cultural and heritage park and research centre will be an unique global attraction."

'Appreciate mangroves'

In its proposal, the group cited Dec 26 tsunami, which struck parts of the Penang coastline, taking lives, destroying fishing villages and damaging beachfront properties. There was less damage to areas where mangroves served as a buffer.

It also pointed out that mangroves play a critical role in ecological security and are nurseries for nature that also promote bio-diversity.

"People need to learn, appreciate and respect mangroves, heritage and history. We must learn from the tsunami disaster, which has taught us a valuable lesson, and should not repeat the mistakes made," said Anwar.

The group also appealed to Penang Chief Minister Dr Koh Tsu Koon and environmental authorities to give serious consideration to the alternative proposal.

The mangrove was the habitat of 30 protected species of migratory birds, including close to 200 endangered black-crowned night herons, and a range of marine life, including crabs.

The state wildlife department has relocated the herons and other migratory birds to the State National Park, to pave the way for the developer to clear the mangrove area, the only one left in the inner city of George Town, which was originally a mangrove area.

Under the alternative redevelopment proposal, the lobby group also proposed that historical features and the Muslim Hui community's heritage be preserved.

The Koay and Peng Aun jetties, which have about 50 houses and 350 residents, are the last line of jetties situated in a row of eight early Chinese clan settlements located between the ferry terminal and Lebuh Noordin flats.

The jetties of the Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee, New and Yeoh clans fall within the heritage zone demarcated in George Town and will be preserved.

The mangrove and Koay clan jetty site is part of a 10ha area - also including the Noordin Street Ghaut fire site, Prangin estate and Peng Aun Chinese clan jetty - that will be turned into a new township with 2,200 high rise residential units, commercial lots and a transportation hub.

This is part of the state government's moves to regenerate George Town, which has turned into a 'ghost city' since the Control of Rent (Repeal) Act 1997 was enforced.

ATHI VEERANGGAN is malaysiakini's Penang-based stringer.