Michael Kaung
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Environment Protection Association (Sepa) has accused Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui of alleged malpractices and abuse of power over plans to build a coal-fired power plant in the state.
Sepa president, Wong Tack, alleged that the minister was too closely linked to the mega project, which will involve millions of ringgit in investment and revenues, should it take off.
“We cannot think of any reason, economically, environmentally or politically, for building a coal-fired plant in Sabah.
“I can only think of two reasons why Peter Chin is still pushing for the coal-fired power plant. One is that he is protecting the interest of a few people who have already committed to this projects. I also suspect big money must have changed hands.
“And the second logical reason is that their minds are set on our coal deposits in Maliau Basin. It is financially illogical to insist on a coal plant when the whole world is facing increasing prices of coal,” he told newsmen here yesterday.
Wong was responding to a recent statement by Chin that the federal government would re-submit the plan to the state government.
Wong said he was amazed that after three rounds of rejections and four years of campaigning against the proposal, a minister who is supposed to promote green energy was still insisting on continuing with the plan.
“More disappointing, he (Chin) has said green technology is easy on the paper but harder to implement. With this kind of negative attitude from a minister who is suppose to promote green technology, I think it is very sad,” Wong said.
Strong opposition
The 300 megawatt (MW) coal-fueled power plant was initially set to be built in 2006 at a Yayasan Sabah’s abandoned 128.7ha seafront Pacific Hardwood integrated complex in Silam, Lahad Datu.
The plan was cancelled in April 2008. The state cabinet then decided to look for a new site as well as an alternative source of energy amid concerns of environmental risk such a facility may pose on the nearby Danum Valley and Darvel Bay.
Both Danum Valley and Darvel Bay are prized and globally recognised for their rich biodiversity.
The RM1.3 billion power plant proposal however would not go away to the disgust of environmentalists. A new location in Seguntor, Sandakan was proposed for the power plant.
This too was cancelled after strong opposition from the local community and environmental bodies.
The latest site, Kg Sinakut, Lahad Datu, was suggested in 2009 but the Department of Environment rejected the Detailed Environment Impact Assessment (DEIA), damning for the project for a third time.
Unfazed, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the main partner in implementing the project, has re-submitted a new DEIA, although no result has been announced as yet.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Musa Aman when asked to comment on Chin’s statement, said the state government will discuss the plan again with its federal counterpart, adding that there will also be discussion with TNB and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd before the state cabinet decides on the matter.
Sepa however believes further discussions to implement the project is useless as the whole concept of introducing coal as a fuel for electricity generation is basically flawed.
“I think the voices (against the project) are clear enough. All the facts and figures are there. We believe it is not necessary for them to have any more discussions.
No meeting with stakeholders
Wong claimed that Sepa had met all the members of Parliament and elected representatives from Sabah as well as the local community leaders and NGOs and they were all unanimously against the coal option.
He expressed hope that Musa would listen to the people of Sabah instead of “higher authorities” from outside the state, stressing the state cabinet had already made its decision to reject the plan back 2008 and should stick to it.
“All this closed-door discussions regarding the wellbeing of the state is not acceptable. The voice of the people is more important, so listen to the people … discuss with them.
“Until today they still have not agreed to sit down (with) the NGOs and the stakeholders, not open their eyes and ears on our concerns…reports have been written, forum organized … the voices are so loud,” he said.
Wong said coal-based energy generation had become a globally unacceptable technology, with major coal consumers such the United State already halting the construction of new coal-fired power plants and emphasizing renewable energy options.
Coal, Wong said, had become a socially, politically and economically unacceptable option due to its impact on the environment and the cost of meeting the new environment requirements for coal-based technologies skyrocketing.
He said it was well known that advanced countries and international authorities on environment continued to impose increasingly tighter regulations and laws against coal.
“That is why even countries like USA are moving away from coal into renewable energy alternative.
“So, on this basis, we should question whether we in Malaysia can afford to use coal and actually meet the new environmental requirement. Why do USA think its too expensive to install mitigation measures and we don’t?” he asked
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