Since moving to Penang in 2009, the author revisited Permatang Damar Laut, a picturesque hiking spot now marred by the controversial Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project, which aims to create a man-made island and alleviate traffic congestion. Approved in 2015 and resumed in 2024, the project faces opposition from local fishermen and NGOs concerned about environmental degradation. Despite scaling down to one island, the project symbolizes a shift towards urban development at the cost of natural ecosystems, leaving irreversible damage in its wake.
