Rawang residents want MB to attend rally against incinerator project

 

The Rawang residents say they are worried that the incinerator will be detrimental to the environment and their well-being. (File pic)

PETALING JAYA: Opponents of a planned incinerator project in Batu Arang have called on Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari to attend a gathering this month to listen to their concerns.

The Rawang Tolak Incinerator (RTI) Network, representing residents of Batu Arang, M Residence, Kota Puteri and Bandar Tasik Puteri, is objecting against the construction of the RM4.5 billion waste-to-energy Sultan Idris Shah (SIS) green energy plant, citing concerns about its effects on the environment.

At a press conference today, RTI spokesman Hanan Mokti claimed that apart from engaging in a few sessions to discuss the environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, the authorities had not actively consulted the residents to seek their views on the project.

Hanan said the peaceful protest will take place from 8am to noon at the Bandar Tasik Puteri night market in Rawang, and between 500 and 1,000 residents are expected to attend.

“We cordially invite MB Amirudin, state executive councillor Ng Suee Lim and KDEB Waste Management CEO Ramli Tahir to our protest,” he said.

“This is their chance to explain to the public their reasons (for building this incinerator) and listen to grouses from our side.”

He said the residents sent a memorandum to the menteri besar last month, but had yet to receive a response.

“The only thing that has happened is a few of us were invited for a meeting at KDEB’s office to hear their side of the story.”

Hanan said the protest aims to raise the public’s awareness of the potential negative impact of the incinerator, gather more signatories for their petition against it, and demonstrate to the authorities that the residents disagree with the project.

The residents said combustion of solid waste would lead to fly ash, bottom ash, heat energy and toxic gases being produced by the incinerator.

They previously said the Auditor-General’s Report on the incinerator operating on Pulau Tioman showed the emissions had exceeded the established limit by at least 14.7 times.

RTI Network is also concerned that the plant would cause traffic disruptions, decrease land and property value, and produce a foul odour.

However, Amirudin had dismissed these concerns in the past, insisting that the incinerator will not use outdated technology.

“Technology has changed. This isn’t like the incinerators from the 1990s. It’s different,” he had been quoted as saying. -  FMT