EIA on coal-fired plant to be made public

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KOTA KINABALU:  As protest against the proposed coal-fired plant project in Felda Sahabat Lahad Datu heats up, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman chose to play safe when asked for his comments on the controversial issue.“We are still waiting for the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. Honestly, I don’t have the details and cannot make any comment before getting the true picture … besides, nothing is finalise yet,” he told reporters during a press conference after the State Cabinet’s first meeting for the new year, yesterday.

Musa, however, said the state government would disclose the EIA report once the study is completed.

Promoters of the RM1.7 billion project claim that it is the only solution to the frequent power disruption in the east coast districts of Sabah.

But those against it, including several non-governmental organisations like Sabah Environment Protection Association, Green Surf and Pacos, have been vocal over the matter, stressing that there are other alternatives.

On the protest, Musa said: “It is nothing new. However, please note that alternative sources of energy and their viabilities have been thoroughly studied.

“We need immediate solution to our power problems. If not, the people will continue to suffer while the state’s development will be stagnated. If this happens, the people will blame the government,” he said.