An opposition lawmaker has urged the government to halt the ore mining project in the Som Forest Reserve in Pahang, saying that the destruction of Tasik Chini should serve as a lesson.
Noting that Pahang is one of the richest states in natural resources, PKR's Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh called on the government to adopt a sustainable development model.
She suggested eco-tourism as an alternative that would satisfy both environmental protection and economic development.
"We need a long-term plan for Pahang. I am not against economic development, but we should look at our strengths.
"Yes, there are minerals here, but it is also a habitat for protected wildlife species.
"I think what we can do is to make it a paradise for the Malayan tigers and we can develop eco-tourism in the future.
"We should look at the long-term interest, rather than pursuing fast income for the state, which ultimately becomes a more expensive option," Fuziah told Malaysiakini.
Citing Tasik Chini as an example, she said mining activities diminished the original value of the second largest natural lake in Peninsular Malaysia.
She pointed out that the state government was forced to dig into its coffers for rehabilitation and the revenue gained might not exceed the losses incurred.
"Look at Tasik Chini. It became a more expensive (option) as we lost so much in terms of flora and fauna, the natural environment and also opportunities for eco-tourism and for the indigenous people. The losses are more than what we have gained.
"Let's not repeat the mistake," Fuziah added in response to the new mining project at Kuala Tembeling in Jerantut.
Tasik Chini used to be a rich bio-diversified tropical wilderness, which was home to hundreds of species of flora, non-aquatic life, and freshwater fish. In 2009, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) declared the area as one of its biosphere reserves.
However, mining activities have turned the bluish waters murky and the green landscape bald.
According to Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, an estimated RM20 million is needed to restore the lake.
Don't renew mining lease
Last week, Malaysiakini revealed that another Pahang royalty-linked mining project is awaiting approval from the Department of Environment (DOE).
The 60.75ha project site was excised from the Som Forest Reserve by the Pahang government through a gazette in June 2019.
The project site is located within the Central Forest Spine (CFS). The EIA report pointed out that the project will significantly, permanently and irreversibly impact wildlife habitats, including 15 totally protected wildlife such as the tapir, Asian elephant and Malayan tiger.
In 2019, the state government approved the mining lease for Tengku Nong Fatimah Sultan Ahmad Shah. The lease is expected to expire on July 24 this year.
Commenting on this, Fuziah said: “I urged the state government not to renew the mining lease for the project."
DOE urged to reject the plan
Since land and mines fall within the purview of the state government, Fuziah noted that the state government has the power to degazette a forest reserve and issue mining leases.
Fuziah also called on the DOE to put a stop to the project.
"I urge the DOE not to approve the EIA report. DOE has proven to us, in the case of the Lynas proposed permanent disposal facility (PDF), that it acted in the long-term interest of the people.
"I believe that in this case, DOE must also act in the long-term interest of the animals and preservation of the forest.
"Since the state is not bound by the existing law, we are hoping DOE will use the power it has to put a stop to this," she added.
For the record, the DOE declared its rejection with regard to the EIA report for the Lynas PDF via an update on its Environmental Impact Assessment website on April 27. The rejected EIA was prepared by AGV Environment Sdn Bhd.
Although Lynas and Wan Rosdy claimed that the proposed PDF site was not in a water catchment area, the EIA report contradicted their claims by stating otherwise. - Mkini
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