PSM has urged the Perlis government to rethink a reclamation project in the state which it said threatens to throw some 5,000 fisherfolks into poverty.

The party's environment and climate crisis bureau chief Sharan Raj (photo) said the proposed Kuala Sanglang Harbour, which will reclaim a 4km coast off the state, will be at the expense of fishing areas.

"It looks like the BN-led Perlis is following the footsteps of the Pakatan Harapan-led Penang which prioritises reclamation at the expense of fishermen.

"The Perlis fisheries industry is important to Malaysians. The Perlis shore provides seafood such as crabs, prawns, sea snails and cockles.

"The destruction of these areas will lead to an increased import of seafood for Malaysia," he said.

Already, Sharan said the Malaysia Competition Commission's Market Review on Food Sector Under Competition Act 2010 report found that Malaysia's reliance on imports has led to rising food prices.

Sharan said Perlis has sufficient land and does not need reclamation.

"Perlis, with its low population, does not face a shortage of land for development," he said.

Furthermore, he added that based on Malacca's example, reclaimed land often only cater to the wealthy and corporations.

"The Perlis government should focus on pro-rakyat developments and strengthen the fisheries industry," he said.