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Daily Express 24th April 2009

KOTA KINABALU: Sipitang Assemblyman Haji Ahmad Bujang Strongly objected to the commissioning of a coal-fired power plant in the district as it can be hazardous to human health and the environment.

     He said the emission of the smoke from the plant would create environment impact not only in Sipitang but also in its surrounding areas.

     According to him, the impact would be disastrous as the plant could produce millions of tonnes of CO2 emission and pose negative effect on the fertility of agriculture in the district.

     Ahmad was commenting on the setting up of a 40MW Coal-Fired Power Plant at Sabah Forest Industry (SFI), which was approved by the Department of Environment (DOE) without consulting first the state Government and other related non-government organisations (NGOs).

     He pointed out that there was no necessity for the coal-fired power plant and they should strive to look for other alternatives that would be more environmentally friendly and cost effective such as a hydropower plant similar to that in Pangi, Tenom.

     He concurred with the statement made by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun, that the DOE should not have given permission to SFI commission the coal-fired power plant without first obtaining views as well as approval from the State Government.

     He reiterated that a coal-fired power plant was a sensitive issue and the DOE should also be more sensitive, especially when its impact could cause deterioration to the environment in Sipitang.

     "I would like to appeal to the authority concerned to reconsider the feeling and grouses of the people of Sipitang and to decide the best for the environment and people," Ahmad said.

     He also appealed to the State Government to intervene and seek clarification over the setting up of coal-fired power plant at SFI.

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