Plan To Build A Controversial Coal Fired Power Plant At Kg. Sinakut, Lahad Datu, Sabah

Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan
Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah

Deputy Chief Minister,Datuk Seri Joseph Pairin Kitingan made a statement today ( Daily Express issue of 10 October 2009)that the State Government wants to discuss the proposed controversial power plant with Tenaga Nasional Bhd. ( TNB ).

It shows that the authority are taking the question of pollution by such generator very seriously. And as Mr. Wong Tac, the President of the Sabah Evironmental Protection Society in his press conference pointed out that the implication to the country especially Sabah would be very serious. The destruction of its fauna and flora including its marine biodiversity would have repercussions on Sabah's ability to survive.

Datuk Wilfred Lingham, the State's former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment was also of the same opinion. Nature had taken many million of years to create this system but man it seems can destroy them in a twinkle of an eye. Japan being a leader in creating and inventing green and environmental friendly technique for power generation etc. is a good source of assistance in this type of situation. And Malaysia should take the initiative to get Japanese help in looking for alternatives.

Sabah is a very sunny and windy land. It also has many rivers. Why are these not use in producing energy generation? If it is a question of expertise, then help should be obtained from countries who are already advance in green technology like Japan and others.

It is heartening that the State Government is taking a firm stand on this matter which shows it is serious in its policy of greening the state.

Sabah Should Rely More On Solar, Wind And Hydro Power Rather Than On Coal

Coal fired power plant.

Mr. Wong Tac, the president of the Sabah Environmental Protection Society ( SEPA ) has strongly objected to the construction of the controversial coal-fired power plant at kampung Sinakut, a kilometre away from Sahabat Resort in the Dent peninsula within the District of Lahad Datu. In this beautiful and unspoilt location where the sea is teeming with corals and marine life, Mr. Wong said that if this project proceeds, then the fishes and other living organisms, corals, etc. would be destroyed ( Daily Express issue of 1 October 2009 ).

This vast salt water biodiversity which took million of years to evolve would forever be gone in a matter of moments. Imagine the huge amount of chlorine pumped everyday into the sea by an injection process to prevent barnacles from affecting the function of the plant's condenser pipe network submerged undersea which are used to cool it. Also affected are animal and plant life on land as this power generator would be discharging powdery ash like substances that can kill and destroy such fauna and flora.

It would be foolhardy and suicidal to implement such a venture which might even bring about climate change in Sabah. Thus causing diseases connected with cancer of the lung, skin, etc. Just think, the quantity of this powdery substance that would be suspended in the air and falling on trees, plants, vegetables and fruits. Polluting them. And causing death or seriously damaging the organs of the body when eaten.

The alternative is to use solar, wind or hydro power which are evironmental friendly rather than coal. Every Malaysian has the utmost responsibility in ensuring that all power generation used must be non-polluting. Otherwise, we would have failed in our social duty of keeping our country permanently green and helping her to survive into the next century.

Hill Cutting At Nambazan, Penampang - Bad For Environment

Hill cutting around districts in Sabah are taking place more frequently now. And this is a cause for concern. Not only is it unsightly but it also allow erosion to occur. If no measures are taken to rectify these damages, then flooding, landslide etc. will happen and endanger the lives of residents within this area. There is no denying that hill cutting is unavoidable because of reclaimation works nessitated by developments.

A case in point is Nambazan in Penampang where hill cutting have been proceeding for quite a long time. It is understood that the operator has the relevant permit to carry out the operation. Even so, it would still be appropriate in future for the authority to require that an evaluation be made first regarding its long term environmental impact before approval is given.

To minimise the aftereffect of hill cutting, conditions must be attached to the licence. That is, the operator is required to plant trees on the cutting site. And it must be strictly enforced. Otherwise it would just be an ugly place. At least with trees planted, it would ensure the coolness of its surroundings. Trees are good filter of hot air ( breeze and wind) because when it passes through the canopy of leaves, the hotness is removed. And the air is cooled.

The authority should also ensure that hill cutting should not be done on hilly terrains in which water catchment are located. As this may affect the availabity of water in future. Water is a fast depleting resources in most countries of the world. The more reason for the government to act cautiously and to make the conservation of water catchment areas its most important priority.

Finally naked hills are an eyesore and of course the most sensible action is to discourage hill cutting if possible. Nothing beats, well preserved hills with lots of greeneries. They add character and coolnes to the towns and districts.

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Greening Of Malaysia

Trees within the compound of the house helps to cool the building.


Why is the greening of Malaysia so important? Because it is one way to keep the country cool. It has been discovered that a tree of substantial size is equivalent to twenty five airconditioners. Just imagine, how it would feel if you have a few trees around your house? Just nice! No more sweat and no more migraine. Malaysians must cultivate this habit of planting trees.

Not only within the compounds of the house or empty lands but also in areas where trees have been removed for commercial purposes. Companies responsible for such removal must also take the initiatives to replant them. The warming up effect that is being experienced in all parts of the country is due to this factor.

Western countries have come to realise the importance of keeping their tree stock to the maximum. And trees are being cut mnimally. To ensure that the climate of their countries remain the same. To make this possible they have programmes to replace trees that have been felled. The companies involved in tree felling are keen to participate in such activitities because this is one method they can give back something beneficial to society.

At the same time, they also educate school children about the benefits of this greening culture. This is done through talks, seminars, field trips etc. Malaysian and foreign companies can also do the same here. Thus it will not only bring many good things to Malaysians such as a healthy and cool environment which is conducive to development but which also help maintain the balance of nature.