MORE than 500,000 residents living within a 5km radius are expected to be affected if a proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Batu Arang, Rawang, is built, says Jaringan Rawang Tolak Insinerator (JRTI), a residents' group formed to protest against the project.
"Besides those residing in Batu Arang, Bandar Tasik Puteri, Kota Puteri and Bandar Seri Coalfieds, it will also affect those in Kuang and Bandar Country homes," said JRTI spokesperson Abdul Hanan Abd Mokti during a protest held outside Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor, Shah Alam.
“We are concerned about the proposed Batu Arang WTE project for several reasons, including potential health risks, traffic hazards and environmental impact."
JRTI previously stated that Batu Arang was situated on a former coal mine, connected by a network of tunnels, while the incinerator plant would be located on a former open-cast coal mine. Their locations could affect the geological stability of the area.
If allowed to proceed, Abdul Hanan said the plant was expected to process waste from six local authorities in Selangor.
He said JRTI learnt that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed RM4.5bil project, also known as the Sultan Idris Shah Green Energy Park, has been rejected by the Environment Department.
"The department's website stated that the report was rejected, although we are unclear why," said Abdul Hanan.
"If it is for critical reasons, that is welcomed by us. If it is for non-critical reasons, then we can expect the EIA for the project to be resubmitted to fulfil the requirement they were previously unable to meet."
An estimated 250 people participated in the protest held on the sidelines of the Selangor state assembly sitting.
JRTI also handed over copies of the memorandum on their objections against the Batu Arang WTE plant to key individuals.
This was handed in person to Rawang assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat and Kuang assemblyman Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah, as well as to representatives of Selangor Speaker Lau Weng San and Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari. A copy will also be sent to the state Opposition leader, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
"We are having this protest because residents' voices about the risks of the incinerator project, as well as health and environmental concerns, have been ignored. The Selangor government's decision to proceed with the project clearly does not reflect the interests of the people," said Abdul Hanan.
"Residents have voiced their objections through various official channels, including public hearings, petitions, objection forms and responses to the EIA — but the feedback and evidence presented have not been given due consideration."
He said the memorandum reiterated the residents' rejection of the project and demanded the suspension of all further related actions until a formal meeting with residents is held, including one with the Mentri Besar, the establishment of a state committee to review the entire project approval process, as well as transparency and meaningful public participation in all processes related to the project.
