DOE yet to get EIA report on Penang reclamation project - Wan Junaidi

The Department of Environment (DOE) has not received the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)) report from the developer of the land reclamation project in Penang.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the developer of the project which started without an EIA could face action under Environmental Quality Act 1974.

"In addition, the DOE may impose a stop work order for projects without EIA approval, for non-compliance of conditions of approval of the EIA or for causing serious pollution," he said in a written reply in Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from Datuk Shabudin Yahaya (BN-Tasek Gelugor) who asked about the government's position on the reclamation project as it could destroy the ecosystem and sources of income of the fishermen.

According to media reports, an area of 809.73 hectares in Permatang Damar Laut would be used for forming three artificial islands.

Wan Junaidi said the project developer was required to prepare the EIA report on critical issues such as water quality, hydraulic, ecosystem and socio-economy of the fishermen.

"The EIA report shall include among others, a proposal on control measures, environmental management plan, self regulation and the schedule of activities in all stages of project implementation."

The DOE did receive the EIA Terms of Reference (TOR) report from consultants Dr Nik & Associates Sdn Bhd for the developer, the Penang government and SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd, on Feb 11, 2016 and approved on May 23 the same year.

Replying to an oral question from Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali (BN-Bagan Serai) who asked whether the government plans to identify wildlife crossings, Wan Junaidi said it was already in the works.

The Forestry Department had identified 133 areas for wildlife crossings in Peninsula Malaysia in an effort to avoid road accidents.

"Up to 2015, three wildlife crossings have been created in Sungai Deka, Terengganu (2009), Sungai Yu, Pahang (2014) and Gerik, Perak (2015). Another wildlife crossing will be created in Jalan Kluang-Mersing, Johor.

"A total of 236 signages on wildlife crossings have been put up while

another 213 will be put up under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).

--BERNAMA