http://www.newsabahtimes.com.my/nstweb/fullstory/38648
Mr. Stephen Wong invite EVERYONE to come forward for a dialog & discussion with Mr. Wong Tak regarding the above DEIA report soon to be released .
Please come forward now to show your support before its too late and regretted why you didn’t come forward to help.
Date : 19th May 2010 ( Wednesday )
Time : 7.30 pm sharp
venue : Chinese Chamber of Commerce , Sandakan .
Thank You
Regards
Popularity: 2% [?]
Popularity: 100% [?]
Coal Pollution Damages Human Health at Every Stage of Coal Life Cycle, Reports Physicians for Social Responsibility
"Coal’s Assault on Human Health"
Washington, DC - November 18, 2009 – Physicians for Social Responsibility has released a groundbreaking medical report, “Coal’s Assault on Human Health,” which takes a new look at the devastating impacts of coal on the human body. Coal combustion releases mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health.
This report looks at the cumulative harm inflicted by those pollutants on three major body organ systems: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. The report finds that coal pollution affects all major body organ systems and contributes to four of the five top causes of mortality in the US: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.
"The findings of this report are clear: while the U.S. relies heavily on coal for its energy needs, the consequences of that reliance for our health are grave," said Alan H. Lockwood, MD FAAN, a principal author of the report and a professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo.
"These stark conclusions leave no room for doubt or delay," says Kristen Welker-Hood, SCD MSN RN, PSR’s director of environment and health programs. "The time has come for our nation to establish a health-driven energy policy that replaces our dependence on coal with clean, safe alternatives. Business as usual is extracting a deadly price on our health. Coal is no longer an option."
Also participating in the report’s release were the American Lung Association and the American Nurses Association.
Coal combustion releases mercury, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and dozens of other substances known to be hazardous to human health. This report looks at the cumulative harm inflicted by those pollutants on three major body organ systems: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. The report also considers coal’s contribution to global warming, and the health implications of global warming.
Viewed in this way, the totality of coal’s impact on health becomes clear. Coal pollutants affect all major body organ systems and contribute to four of the five leading causes of mortality in the U.S.: heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases.
In addition to the impacts from pollutants emitted during coal combustion, the report pinpoints negative health consequences at each step of the coal life cycle. Coal mining leads U.S. industries in fatal injuries and is associated with chronic health problems among miners. In addition to the miners themselves, communities near coal mines may be adversely affected by mining operations due to the effects of blasting, washing, leakage from "slurry ponds," the collapse of abandoned mines, damage done to streams and waterways, and the dispersal of dust from coal trucks during transportation. Slurry injected underground can release arsenic, barium, lead and manganese into nearby wells, contaminating local drinking water supplies. The storage of post-combustion wastes from coal plants also threatens human health. There are 584 coal ash dump sites in the U.S, and toxic residues have migrated into water supplies at dozens of sites. While every stage of the coal life cycle impacts human health, the combustion phase exacts the greatest toll.
"Given the disease burden associated with coal as well as its contribution to global warming, it is essential that we establish energy policies based on a fundamental commitment to human health and the health of generations to come," said Peter Wilk, MD, the Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility.
Based on the report’s findings, PSR issued five policy recommendations:
Download the report:
Executive Summary (pdf)
Full report (pdf)
Download by chapter:
Front Matter (pdf)
Chapter 1 Introduction (pdf)
Chapter 2 Life Cycle of Coal (pdf)
Chapter 3 Respiratory Effects (pdf)
Chapter 4 Cardiovascular Effects (pdf)
Chapter 5 Neurological Effects (pdf)
Chapter 6 Global Warming (pdf)
Chapter 7 Policy Recommendations (pdf)
ABOUT PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (PSR) – Founded in 1961 by physicians concerned about the impact of nuclear proliferation, PSR shared the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize with International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War for building public pressure to end the nuclear arms race. Since 1991, when PSR formally expanded its work by creating its environment and health program, PSR has addressed the issues of global warming and the toxic degradation of our environment. PSR educates and advocates for policies to curb global warming, ensure clean air, generate a sustainable energy future, prevent human exposures to toxic substances, and minimize toxic pollution of air, food, and drinking water. More information is available at www.psr.org.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Bid to silence Sabah’s anti-coal campaign
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/118711
Joe Fernandez
Dec 1, 09
The Sabah government has warned a coalition of environmentalists against continuing to publicise their anti-coal option campaign, insisting that they should "use the proper forum" to express dissatisfaction.
Since the weekend, Green Surf (Sabah Unite to Re-power the Future) and Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa) have been selectively leaking the proposed terms of reference (TOR) for the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) on the coal plant.
State minister for tourism, culture and environment Masidi Manjun (left) today issued a thinly-veiled threat, proffered as "friendly advice".
"Green Surf or Sepa should consider whether it is appropriate for them to air their differences (on the coal plant) in public and through the media, even before the TOR have been finalised," he said.
He conceded that "it is fair for the public to have access to the final TOR" but noted that these are still being drawn up at a series of meetings in Putrajaya and Kota Kinabalu.
"They (Green Surf) can forward their opinions and grouses during the next meeting (in Kota Kinabalu).
"Perhaps it would serve their interests more effectively if they refrain from making public, at this point of time, every one of their disagreements on the TOR. Instead, they should concentrate on arguing their points during the meetings."
Masidi stressed that the invitation to Green Surf to attend the meetings is proof that the state government values their input.
"To engage in the media on the TOR even before these are finalised would make it even more difficult for the various parties to engage in a professional exchange of opinions.
"All parties should attend the meetings with an open mind. They should be ready to accept with humility that their preconceived notions on certain aspects may not necessarily hold water."
Masidi clarified that the DEIA report would cover water quality, wetlands, ecology, land use, solid waste management, hydrology, drainage, flood analysis, landscape and visual aspects.
Other issues are the terrestrial ecology, flora, fauna, biodiversity, conservation, marine ecology, fisheries, coastal process, phytoplankton, coral reef and sea grass, climate, air quality, air quality dispersion modeling, environmental cost benefit analysis, public and workers’ health, environmental health risk assessment, quantitative risk and hazard assessment emergency response plan, coastal hydraulic and hydrodynamics, and thermal and chlorine dispersion.
He denied Green Surf’s allegation that the TOR would be filled with "predetermined and conclusive statements without scientific backing, facts and figures".
Shortcomings detected
Green Surf remained undeterred by Masidi’s "damage control" move, maintaining that "the TOR is sub-standard and totally unacceptable".
"The TOR appears to ignore the long-term impact of the proposed coal plant’s emission into the pristine Darvel Bay," said Sepa president Wong Tack.
He disclosed that Green Surf had three representatives – including himself – at a Department of Environment meeting in Putrajaya on Nov 24 and discovered that the TOR are being drawn up without external consultation.
"Given the various shortcomings in the TOR, these should have been rejected then and there in Putrajaya," stressed Wong.
"We are very concerned about the limited scope of study in the TOR. These should not have contained conclusive statements."
Wong also alleged that the TOR does not comply with the Sabah Development Corridor planning requirements or with other state guidelines, such as shoreline development, fisheries and tourism.
"The TOR also acknowledges that no study was carried out on the cumulative effects of the coal plant emissions over a five to 10-year period," he said.
"Even state government representatives have voiced concern on the adverse impact of the emissions on the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and the world-renowned diving haven of Pulau Sipadan over the long term."
Green Surf alleged that a key weakness of the TOR is that these were based on climate conditions in Tawau, and not the proposed site near Lahad Datu, 200km away.
Tawau was the second site selected after the initial location in Sandakan was abandoned on a wave of public protests.
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He said the proposed site of the coal-fired plant is at Kg Sinakut, about one kilometer from the Sahabat Resort. He said
Kg Sinakut is part of a totally pristine coastline 40km long, stretching between Tunku and Dent Haven around the eastern most
tip of Dent Peninsula. The Dent Haven is Sabah’s last wilderness frontier.
The likely destruction of the environment in the Dent Peninsula should be sufficient ground for the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) to report the negative impact of the coal-fired plant in the area, and thereby give a strong recommendation for
the Government to reject the proposed coal-fired plant altogether
I am not sure, however, whether Datuk Peter Chin’s assurance that Tenaga Nasional (TNB) would be using the highest
standard coal on par with that used by coal-fired plants in developed countries is sufficient to allay our fears about this known
polluter of the environment. He is the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water.
But does this position gives him the authority to give assurance about coal-fired plants? Both China and the USA are said
to be dismantling their coal fired plants, and it is, I believe because of the pollution caused by the use of coal.
Let us not become another great “offender”
to destroy mother nature – such as the ozone layer and closer to home – our “pristine coastlines and wilderness”, our environment…………………..
Popularity: 5% [?]
“Malaysia is said to be one of the 10 top nations rich in biodiversity, with such high value, and special attention should be given to ensure that the environment is constantly protected and preserved,” he said at the monthly gathering of the Prime Minister’s Department (JPM) here.
He said the JPM was the most important department involved directly and indirectly in ensuring that conservation and preservation of this biodiversity was carried out and in raising the awareness of the society and those responsible of the importance of protecting the country’s treasure………..
Popularity: 3% [?]
Sepa voices concern
Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Environmental Protection Society (Sepa) Wednesday expressed grave concern over Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) plan to build the controversial coal-fired power plant at a “totally pristine” wilderness coastline in Dent Peninsula.
“From our recent field visit, we understand that Kampung Sinakut, just a stone’s throw (one kilometre or so) from Sahabat Resort, is the proposed site for the 300MW plant.
“Kg Sinakut is part of a totally pristine coastline 40km long, stretching between Tunku and Dent Heaven around the eastern-most tip of Dent Peninsula,” said its President Wong Tack (pic).
“This is Sabah’s last wilderness frontier,” he told reporters at a press conference.
Lapping this coastline are kilometres of snow-white sandy beaches, according to Wong……………….
Popularity: 7% [?]
SANDAKAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak could have been misinformed, or misquoted by the media with regards to his announcement that the decision of the government on the building of a 300 megawatt coal-fired plant in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu was final, said Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa).
Sepa chairman Wong Tack said: “Sepa is ready and willing to meet up with the prime minister to get his clarification on his announcement.”
He was commenting on a statement by Najib who was quoted as saying in Tawau on Sunday that the frequent power blackout in Tawau would be solved soon with the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, as an alternative measure besides buying more power generators.
Wong said that Najib attended the Bali Climate Change Summit 2009 where he committed to join in and support international efforts to fight climate change and global warming.
“Our prime minister also attended CTI (Coral Triangle Initiative) Summit between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia in May 2009. Malaysia committed herself by contributing RM1 billion to support the initiative of the group,” said Wong.
“With the prime minister’s 1Malaysia concept, ‘People First, Performance Now’, we strongly believe that he would listen to the voices of the people as there is strong objection from the people of Lahad Datu, Tawau and Sandakan.
“Even some component parties of BN and NGOs came out openly to object to the proposal to build the 300 megawatt plant in any part of Sabah,” continued Wong.
Wong also said that the Felda scheme is still within Sabah and the people had made themselves very clear that they do not welcome any coal-fired plant in Sabah.”
Meanwhile, chairman of Sandakan Anti-Coal Action Committee, Stephen Wong, regretted the final decision to build the coal-fired plant in Sahabat, Lahad-Datu as announced by the prime minister.
Stephen said his committee was sad and asked: “Did the government really listen to the people? We hope that the present government would seriously reconsider and not do anything that is harmful to our future generation and to be cursed in due course.”
http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=58266
Popularity: 4% [?]
The Government has given the green light for the controversial coal-fired power plant to be set up in the Felda Sahabat scheme about 100km from Lahad Datu.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the power plant was necessary to overcome the serious electricity supply problem in Sabah
Najib also said that the frequent power supply disruption in Tawau would be solved soon with the construction of a coal-powered plant in Felda Sahabat, Lahad Datu, as an alternative measure, besides buying more power generators.
“There are still many areas in Sabah including its east coast region which are experiencing power supply disruptions. Therefore, the government will send a power generator from Sime Darby to Sabah in December, besides setting up two more power plants in the state as a long-term measure.”
“It was planned for Lahad Datu and Sandakan but they did not want it (situated there), so as the minister-in-charge of Felda, we will do it in Felda Sahabat or Sabahans will not get enough electricity supply,” he said.
The move to initially set up a 300MW coal plant in Silam near Lahad Datu was rejected by the state government following protests. It was then proposed that it be situated in Sandakan, but this was also met with protest, urging the government to use green technology or other alternative power sources
Najib also called on the state’s leaders to take care of the people and be close to them to ensure that the BN government continued to be accepted by the people and remained strong. ………….
http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/9/14/nation/4710312&sec=nation
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsgeneral.php?id=440188
Popularity: 19% [?]
Dear Y.B.,
SESB’s irregular blackouts in Sandakan is appalling and causing a lot of disruptions to our daily lives.
If SESB really ‘CARE’ about Sandakan folks and are considerate, they would have tried to minimize the disruptions by at least:
1) publish accurate advanced notice of blackout times and areas in the local newspapers, as they used to do before they were pushing for the proposed coal power plant;
2) STICK TO their advanced notice (if published);
3) have NO blackout in business areas during day time/business hours, and NO blackout in residential areas during evening and night;
4) have a fair blackout schedule for the WHOLE of Sabah, not let it happen to only Sandakan/Tawau/East Coast.
Many have observed that for the first 2 weeks of August, there was NO blackout in many areas in Kota Kinabalu/West Coast at all, but by contrast, there were DAILY blackouts almost everywhere in the East Coast. WHY is that so?! (If the malfunctioning power plant is located in the West Coast, this would be even more puzzling.)
Is it because:
1) SESB wants to PUNISH the East Coast for rejecting their coal power plant by making them suffer?
2) SESB dares not offend all the Ministers, YBs and VIPs who are living comfortably in the West Coast instead of the East Coast?
SESB should account themselves and plan properly, instead of trying to once again push for coal (see Conditions of SESB’s Sandakan Power plants, Posted on – 30/07/2009, http://www.sesb.com.my/news_releases_view.cfm?id=145).
Instead of recognising that Sabah’s power shortage will be greatly helped by the full completion of IPP Powertron (190 MW), SPR Energy plant (100MW) in 2012-2013, and the Kimanis Power ( 300MW ) in 2013, SESB have once again tried to direct our attention to the coal power plant, and once again used the idea of ‘transmission reliability’ as an support – even though:
a) the present East Coast power woes has absolutely nothing to do with ‘transmission unreliability’, and
b) the argument about ‘transmission reliability’ has been shown to be nothing more than a bogus excuse in support of the coal power plant.
(see “Bakun Supply Can If There’s a Will” by Daily Express on Sunday, 26 July 2009, page 19; http://www.savesandakan.com/bakun-why-not)
Given that Tenaga Nasional Berhad is directly or indirectly controlled by the Federal Government (as at 2008, via Khazanah Nasional Berhad 37.80%, Employees Provident Fund Board 13.66%, etc), and SESB is 80% owned by TNB and 20% owned by the Sabah Government, we wonder whether such unfair, disruptive and irregular blackouts are the policies and intention of the Barisan Nasional Federal and State Governments?
If not, then it’s time for both Governments to put a stop to this unfairness and madness of SESB!! After all, the people of Sandakan have given overwhelming support to the Barisan Nasional over the years. The people would only reach one — and only one — conclusion on the failure of either Government to control SESB’s madness:
That SESB’s irresponsible blackouts are condoned or endorsed by these Governments and that they endorse SESB’s push for a coal power plant in the East Coast of Sabah.
If so, rest assured that the people shall reply appropriately comes the next General Elections.
We call upon the Federal and State Governments to actively, seriously and earnestly seek the electricity supply from Bakun Dam, Sarawak, to satisfy the energy needs of Sabah. If the electricity can be exported all the way across mountains, forests and ocean to Johor, Indonesia or Brunei, why can’t it be done for Sabah? With the power from Bakun, we would not need any dirty coal power plant in Sabah.
(again, see “Bakun Supply Can If There’s a Will” by Daily Express on Sunday, 26 July 2009, page 19; http://www.savesandakan.com/bakun-why-not)
We also call upon both Governments to establish an Oversight Board comprising of elected representatives and NGO representatives in equal proportion who shall have overriding supervisory power at all times to oversee, monitor and penalise SESB for their incompetence, negligence, inactions and deliberate actions alike which do not fully serve the interests of the people of Sabah.
This is because the provision of adequate electricity and the public security in this regard are too important to be left in the hands of some selfish, stubborn and inconsiderate profit-maximizing private entities.
The People of Sandakan
cc:
Managing Director
SABAH ELECTRICITY SDN. BHD.
Wisma SESB,
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,
88673 Kota Kinabalu
Popularity: 3% [?]
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