PROMISE 39
Promise
Balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Protection
ANALYSIS
The last Parliamentary sitting of 2019 ended on 5 Dec 2019. Here’s the summary of progress on PH’s Institutional and Political Reform
Sub-promise
Related News
CAP urges govt to ban sand exports
30 June 2020
The federal government was urged by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) to ban sand exports citing its dangerous effect on the society and environment. CAP’s president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the issuance of the Approved Permits (APs) for sand exports will have to stop or it will cause permanent damage.
Government issues 11 APs for river sand exports
26 June 2020
11 approved permits (APs) have been issued by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources to allow for river sand and other minerals exports to Brunei, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Japan and Maldives. Malaysia had previously banned the export of sea sand for environmental reasons without the Prime Minister’s approval. One of the companies that has been issued such AP is Pekan-based Legasi Lestari Sdn Bhd founded in 2012 with validity until July 2027. The company commenced exporting river sand from 2017. ACE Market-listed Kanger International Bhd will form a joint venture with Legasi Lestari to export sand to China and Hong Kong.
Orang Asli set up blockades as loggers return
18 June 2020
Loggers are back trying to continue where they left off during the movement control order. It prompted two Orang Asli communities to block the entrances to their villages. A bulldozer driver was asked to leave. It ruined the Orang Asli’s life crops such as rubber trees, durian, rambutan trees, sweet potato and banana farm. A police report was lodged at the Gua Musang police station.
Tambun residents upset about land clearing activity at foot of Gunung Panjang for third time since 2011
11 June 2020
Gunung Panjang’s foothill is cleared off for the third time since 2011. The last it was cleared was back in 2017. It was alleged that the contractors lied about their intentions when there were mine ores found at the limestone hill. The State Islamic Affairs and Malay Customs Council (MAIPK), who owns a Muslim Cemetery Reserve on the hill confirmed what Wong Pek Yin, 53, the representative of the residents of Panorama Tambun Perdana (the Dales). She said that a letter from MAIPK was sent to the Mentri Besar’s Office dated November 1, 2019 on it’s status as a cemetery reserve. This has affected the stability of the hill. According to Wong, the Perak Minerals and Geoscience Department has certified that the hill is sensitive to any physical disturbances due to the colluvial deposits, which consist of soft soil and limestone.
Spike in illegal dumping activity during MCO
5 June 2020
Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) deputy president Najmuddin Jemain said residents were confined to their homes during the movement control order while the culprits took the chance to dump construction, bulk and domestic waste at illegal dumpsites when the caretakers of the dumpsites are not around. An excavator, a bulldozer and four lorries were confiscated.
Pilot project to open coal market set for 4Q
12 February 2020
As part of Malaysia’s effort to liberalise the country’ electricity industry, the country is open to the idea of fuel power plants which cover coal and natural gas. The trials on natural gas last year were successful as it saved over RM5 million in two weeks through a partnership between Shell Malaysia and Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). The government may open the market for coal power plants to reduce the cost of electricity generation. Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister (MESTECC) Yeo Bee Yin said that a pilot project to open the coal power plants is expected to commence by the fourth quarter (4Q). The government seeks new incentives to encourage independent power producers (IPPs) to source for cheaper fuels. The trial is part of the government’s 10-year plan to reform the power industry.
MESTECC to conduct 30,000 enforcement actions
11 February 2020
The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) will be working with state governments on law enforcement which include prohibition orders, cessation of operations, penalties and court actions. is expected to collaborate with state governments to conduct 30,000 enforcement actions nationwide this year.
Click to see more
Perak tetap teruskan projek hidro mini Ulu Geruntum
4 February 2020
Walaupun Pakatan Harapan menjanjikan pembatalan projek hodroeletrik mini di Ulu Geruntum di Gopeng, Perak, Adun Teja Sandrea Ng berkata ia tidak dapat dihentikan kerana ia diluluskan ketika pentadbiran Barisan Nasional (BN). Kini, kerajaan terikat secara undang-undang untuk meneruskannya. Orang Asli suku Semai berpendapat bahawa kegagalan untuk menamatkan projek ini yang telah menceroboh tanah adat mereka akan menjejaskan tempat tinggal mereka. Ng berkata kerajaan negeri mempertimbangkan kebimbangan Orang Asli dan pihak berkepentingan dalam pelancongan, berhubung kesan projek itu terhadap alam sekitar.
Malaysia’s environmental laws don’t relate to climate change: Academician
21 January 2020
The speakers at a forum entitled “The Impact of Climate Change & Anthropogenic Hazards on the Marine Environment in Malaysia” said that while Malaysia has the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974 to protect the environment but has no provision for climate change. The Renewable Energy Act 2011 is focused on reducing fossil fuel but not comprehensive enough by reducing carbon emission.
Govt aims to increase net energy metering output to 300MW: Yeo
8 January 2020
After the launch of the Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic, the minister of Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (Mestecc), Yeo Bee Yin said Mestecc will increase the net energy metering (NEM) programme output to 300 megawatts (MW) this year. Last year, the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (Seda) approved 102MW under the NEM programme. With the new 300 MW NEM policy, a ‘one-on-one’ offset basis will be used.
Gunung Pulai faces existential threat
5 January 2020
A historical mountain in Baling, Kedah is under the threat of destruction – The 613m-tall Gunung Pulai was formed by the collision of tectonic plates about 450 million years ago. In 1996, the then state government approved a limestone quarry project to Yiked Holdings Sdn Bhd, a company under the Kedah Islamic Foundation. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)’s approval has since expired and was renewed in 2014 but expired again in February. Previously, the EIAs that were done did not include the mandatory Heritage Impact Assessments (HIA) of the area. A new EIA assessment will be carried out to authorize the extraction of limestone. The choice now is between executing the mining project versus preserving the area for eco-tourism.
Pollution in Muar river disrupts water supply to 35k households
2 January 2020
About 35,000 households in Muar have to deal with water supply disruption as Muar river is contaminated by ammonia. Cause and source is yet to be determined.
Rawang: Glycerine dumping causes foamy water, kills fish
31 December 2019
The water foamed up at the drain near Sungai Guntong. After an investigation was launched by LUAS, Air Selangor and Hulu Selangor District Council, it was found that glycerine waste is dumped into the Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) public sewage manhole in Kamunting Industrial area, Bukit Sentosa. IWK had been directed to quickly carry out cleaning work at the manhole.
DBKL orders Lembah Pantai construction site to close
20 December 2019
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) received complaints about the high number of mosquitoes in the construction site at Angkasapuri in Lembah Pantai. DBKL ordered for it to be closed yesterday due to sanitary and hygiene violations.
Selangor to investigate burning of chemical drums in Jeram
26 November 2019
The state is investigating if the dumping and burning of more than 200 chemical drums which exploded at 16th Mile, Jalan Kapar in Jeram was done on purpose.
Drums at illegal dumpsite may contain discarded paint, solvents, says DoE
25 November 2019
The 244 drums that caught fire and exploded at Kampung Tambak Jawa early this morning are believed to have contained discarded paint and solvents.
Pasir Gudang air will be monitored by new auto gas detectors
19 November 2019
25 automatic gas detectors called Photo-Ionised Detectors (PID) are being installed for instantaneous alert system for immediate action according to the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin in Pasir Gudang. PID would be able to detect the total volatile organic compound in the air. Yeo said the Department of Environment’s (DoE) machinery has also been strengthened with the procurement of additional equipment, including a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), which cost RM1.1 million; a Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detector, which cost RM1.2 million; as well as six mobile toxic gas measurement machines, costing RM2.34 million. The DoE is collaborating with academicians, technical departments, agencies and industries to conduct a Loading Analysis and Carrying Capacity study which incorporates air, soil and water conditions in Pasir Gudang.
Landslide risk in Bangsar neighbourhood may stem from land clearing
18 November 2019
For two years, Bangsar’s Jalan Abdullah residents have been worried about the slope after the heavy rains next to their homes. The Selamatkan Kuala Lumpur (SKL) civil society group cautioned the possibility of landslides next to Jalan Abdullah homes as a result of land clearing and lack of preventive measures which caused soil erosion. SKL’s adviser Datuk M. Ali has called upon Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to take action against those responsible for causing the soil erosion. In 2012, S P Setia Bhd obtained a parcel of land owned by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) which is connected to Bukit Persekutuan next to Jalan Abdullah through a land swap deal for the construction of a new NIH facility in Setia Alam, Shah Alam.
Ulu Muda Timber Concessionaires
Disclose RM1.5 billion claim against govt, Kedah MB told
29 May 2020
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor is pressured by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has urged to come forward and divulge the names of the timber concessionaires and the value they are claiming for the understanding of the public. The Kedah government under Sanusi is facing a claim of more than RM1 billion by the timber concession holders but his predecessor Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir had disputed it. Mukhriz said that the issue of compensation had been agreed upon and what was needed was only its implementation in a meeting with the timber concession holders. CAP has also asked for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the propriety and legality of the timber logging approval and a report with recommendations to improve the law and procedures for approving concessions. CAP expects those who have misused their powers to be charged. CAP added that the Kedah state government should not renew timber concessions that had been cancelled or grant new concessions. Sanusi said that Mukhriz knew about the RM1 billion compensation payable to some 40 timber concession holders after rights to log in permanent forest reserves were withdrawn. Sanusi added that the problem only appears when the previous administration decided to halt logging in select areas of the Ulu Muda Permanent Forest Reserve on Aug 30, 2018. The Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, with an area of about 100,000 hectares, is an important source of water for the people of Kedah, Perlis and Penang.
Logging concession damages claims in Kedah reaches RM1.5b – Kedah MB
27 May 2020
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said that the latest claim for damages filed by companies whose logging concessions in Kedah have been revoked now stands at RM1.5 billion. Previously, he claimed that it stood at RM1 billion, involving about 40 companies with a total of 131 concessions and covering 22,098 hectares in the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve. Sanusi explained logging activities will be allowed again in order to bypass lawsuits was merely a proposal. The decision of the state government to freeze and stop logging in the catchment area was made at a meeting on Aug 30, 2018.
Loggers must be given replacement forests or RM1 bil payout, says Kedah
26 May 2020
The Kedah government stated that there are no logging expansion plans but rather finding ways to avoid paying RM1 billion in compensation to licensed loggers after their concessions in permanent forest reserves were withdrawn. Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has said that 40 concession holders were previously allowed to carry out logging before the ban was imposed. The RM1 billion compensation claim is disputed by the former MB Mukhriz Mahathir has disputed the RM1 billion compensation claim saying the amount has drastically inflated.
Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR)
Selangor MB: Proposed degazettement of Kuala Langat forest reserve due to fires; to benefit ECRL
21 February 2020
Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari said that 40 percent of the Kuala Langat forest reserve has already been degraded from fires and it will be a fire hazard in the future. He wanted to develop the area where it will be surrounded by a Selangor Business Capital development by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) next to Gamuda Cove owned by Gamuda. He admitted that the economy will benefit from this especially as the planned East Coast Rail Link route (ECRL) will go around the forest reserve. This is met with unyielding opposition from the Orang Asli community and environmentalists.
Selangor govt to replace 931 hectares of forest reserves that will be de-gazetted
20 February 2020
Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state will replace the 931 hectares that will be de-gazetted from the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR) area. He dismissed social media concerns as premature even though Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the green lungs should not be destroyed for development and added that he was concerned about the Orang Asli villages and natural habitat there. Selangor PKR Youth communications director Mohd Khairool Ngadon also protested against the replacement.
District office ignoring proof of land ownership, says Kuala Langat Orang Asli
20 February 2020
The Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve will be de-gazetted for mixed-development projects where the Orang Asli has been living and have documented evidence signed during British Malaya of their land ownership. The Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) also acknowledged the land as being owned by the Orang Asli. However, the district office told the villagers that part of their land overlaps with state-owned land.
Henti cubaan tukar status Hutan Simpan Kuala Langat – Xavier
14 February 2020
Menteri Air, Tanah dan Sumber Asli Dr A Xavier Jayakumar, juga MP Kuala Langat berkata bahawa rakyat Malaysia tidak boleh “memusnahkan paru-paru hijau atas dasar pembangunan”. Beliau menyuarakan bantahan terhadap cadangan untuk membatalkan warta kawasan seluas 930 hektar di kawasan Hutan Simpan (Utara) Kuala Langat. Kawasan yang diwartakan tersebut merupakan penempatan Orang Asli dan habitat hidupan liar. Beliau juga berkata kerajaan mempunyai komitmen untuk penghutanan semula. Ini boleh dilihat dalam peruntukan sebanyak RM150 juta di bawah Rancangan Malaysia ke-11 untuk menanam 100 juta pokok dalam tempoh lima tahun dalam usaha memelihara dan menanam semula hutan yang telah diterokai.
Sg Semenyih Water Treatment Plant Closure due to Pollution
Stiffer penalties for water polluters, says Xavier
28 January 2020
The Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr A Xavier Jayakumar said the Water Services Industry Act 2006 will be amended to reinforce penalties on water pollution offences. The Water Resources Pollution Action and Monitoring Committee proposed that the authorities be given the power to arrest individuals and seize vehicles suspected of being used in pollution incidents. The committee comprises of representatives from the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry; International Trade and Industry Ministry; Housing and Local Government Ministry; the Royal Malaysia Police, the Department of Environment, Road Transport Department, the National Water Services Commission and state governments. The amendments will be tabled in Parliament in October.
Ops Bau: One factory sealed, 106 inspected in Selangor, N. Sembilan
31 December 2019
Following the first and recent closure of the Sungai Semenyih water treatment plant, and investigation was carried out. “Ops Bau” is being implemented and one factory was sealed. A total of 36 compounds and 17 directive notices were issued for those who have failed to comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 said the Department of Environment (DoE). On December 25, the DoE and the Negri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department launched an investigation upon receiving complaints on the discovery of scheduled waste disposed on the banks of Singai Belihoi, Mantin, Negri Sembilan. Preventive measure has been taken by cleaning up the banks of Sungai Belihoi have been put in place to avoid contaminating Sungai Linggi, one of the main sources of raw water supply in Seremban.
MWA: Crack down on waste dumping at rivers
25 December 2019
The Malaysian Water Association (MWA) has urged for stronger enforcement and the revision of laws pertaining to river pollution to stop the illegal waste dumping by unethical parties. MWA president Datuk Abdul Kadir Din said industrial water pollution issues should have been managed more effectively with sustainable steps moving forward.
DoE checks 37 factories in probe into Semenyih treatment plant closure
24 December 2019
The Environment Department (DoE) said that 37 factories in Selangor have been checked and 28 comply to the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Nine noties and 17 compounds were slapped on non-compliant factories and the checks will lasts for a week. The checks are putting an emphasis on factories that generate solvent and oil wastes, the pollutants that led to the shut down of the Semenyih plant.
‘Use holistic approach to tackle worsening water supply pollution issue’
24 December 2019
Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye calls for stronger enforcement of penalties against the culprits and that the tabling of the amendment to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to be sped up.
MB:Impose heavier penalties on perpetrators
24 December 2019
The culprit responsible for polluting the water supply has yet to be identified. Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari called for stricter penalties to be imposed on those who are found guilty for water disruptions happened too often. Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) is currently pumping water from Tasik Idaman to Sungai Semenyih to water down the odour caused by the pollution. In May, Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said the Environmental Quality Act 1974 will be replaced with a new act where stronger enforcement and stricter penalties can be imposed on the culprits.
Water supply has resumed in some affected areas, rest to follow
24 December 2019
At 1pm yesterday, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) has announced that water supply is gradually returning in affected areas, subsequent to the suspension of water supply from the Sungai Semenyih Water Treatment Plant. Air Selangor staff are working on stabilising the pressure of the main pipeline and main pools, thus the resumption will be done in stages within 72 hours.
Span files police report over pollution
23 December 2019
The National Water Services Commission (SPAN)’s chairman Charles Santiago said SPAN filed a police report yesterday over the pollution that caused the halt of the Sungai Semenyih and Bukit Tampoi Water Treatment Plants. He said the alleged sabotage linked to the dumping of illegal waste materialized because of the three similar cases in Selangor before this incident. The closure of the water treatment plants affected water supplies to 1.5 million residents in Selangor.
Water supply will resume tonight, says Selangor MB
22 December 2019
According to the Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, water supply should resume at 11pm tonight and that the area will have CCTVs installed from now on. The shut down was caused by waste poured down Indah Water Konsortium manholes in Bandar Putera Mahkota. The pollution had been cleaned by 4pm, and water in Sungai Semenyih was safe for use with some unpleasant odour. Local authorities in Kajang have been ordered to permanently seal manhole covers in Bandar Putera Mahkota.
64 dubious Kuala Lumpur land deals
Defence closes case in Ku Nan corruption trial
30 June 2020
Four witnesses were called in as the defense closed Tengku Adnan’s bribery acceptance case. September 11 is set for oral submissions hearing from both parties.
Ku Nan’s defence trial to resume on June 29
19 May 2020
On October 14 2019, the High Court ordered former Federal Territories Minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, 69, to enter his defence on the charge after finding that the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a prima facie in the case. Tengku Adnan, who is charged with receiving a bribe of RM2 million from a businessman stands to resume his defence trial on June 29.
Hakim tarik diri dengar kes rasuah Tengku Adnan
18 May 2020
Dalam penghakiman 14 muka surat bertarikh 15 Mei, Hakim Datuk Rhodzariah Bujang berkata Hakim Mahkamah Tinggi, Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali mungkin bersikap berat sebelah walaupun beliau telah membuat deklarasi bahawa beliau tidak akan bersikap prejudis terhadap Tengku Adnan selepas menghakimi kes ahli perniagaan Datuk Tan Eng Boon. Mahkamah Rayuan hari ini memutuskan supaya hakim Mahkamah Tinggi menarik diri daripada mendengar perbicaraan kes rasuah bekas Menteri Wilayah Persekutuan, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor disebabkan wujud bahaya yang beliau mungkin bersikap berat sebelah.
Ku Nan wins appeal to replace judge in RM1 million graft case
12 February 2020
High Court judge Mohd Nazlan Mohd Ghazali had been disqualified from hearing former minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’ on-going RM1 million corruption case. A member of the Court of Appeals said the appeal had merit and asked for appellate court’s intervention. The new judge can choose to deal with the case afresh or to continue where Nazlan left off.
Tengku Adnan hurts knee, on six-day MC from fall, RM2m bribery trial now on Feb 18
20 January 2020
Due to a “nasty fall”, the former minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor will not be able to be in court for his trial of the allegation of taking RM2 million in bribes as the Umno treasurer. Tengku Adnan is currently on a six-day medical leave after suffering a fall in the courtroom last week. The trial was initially scheduled to go on today and tomorrow, before resuming on March 25 to March 27. The judge then fixed additional trial dates tentatively from February 18 to February 20, and from March 4 to March 5, while also retaining the trial dates of March 25 to March 27.
It’s merely a suggestion to DBKL, not an order, says Ku Nan over land sale
17 January 2020
Former federal territories minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor also known as Ku Nan said he did not order Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to follow his suggestion over a proposal by Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd to buy two plots of land in Bandar Tun Razak to build affordable houses. Ku Nan is accused of receiving RM2 million from Aset Kayamas’s director, Chai Kin Kong, knowingly the businessman had transactions with the federal territories ministry which was under him at the time.
I didn’t need RM2 mil ‘political donation’, Ku Nan tells court
17 January 2020
Former federal territories minister Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the RM2 million given by Chai Kin Kong, a director in Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd to his company, Tadmansori Holdings Sdn Bhd in 2016 was a “political donation”. It was intended to help Umno in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar by-elections on June 18, 2016. He added that he is a successful businessman who didn’t need the money for personal use.
Ku Nan’s testimony offers peek into how BN funds election campaigns
17 January 2020
While testifying at the High Court, BN secretary-general Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor’s revealed that it is “usual practice” for Umno to raise funds for by-election campaigns through “political donations”. Allegedly, the director of Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd who’s a regular donor to UMNO and BN since 1999, did the same by financing the Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections in 2016.
22 August 2019
Dr Noraini Ahmad, the chair for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has said that a special audit on the sale of land owned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall with the assistance of the National Audit Department. This audit is crucial to help the PAC to complete their report before tabling it to parliament.
PAC probes dubious DBKL land deals, the mayor called to testify
PAC to summon AG, MACC Chief on DBKL land sale
C4 Center Press Statement (10 October 2019) – DBKLand Sale Needs Scrutiny And A High Degree Of Accountability-minister Khalid Samad Must Tell All
10 October 2018 – C4 Center issued a press statement on 10 October 2019 to express their concern with the recent developments surrounding the DBKL land sales to private developers worth 4.28 billion ringgit, where a lack of clarity and opaque explanations from current FT Minister Khalid Samad, have left the current status of the land deals appearing suspicious. Please read the full press release here.
MACC narrowing probe to 16 DBKL plots, says DAP rep
Kepong MP lodges MACC report over RM4.28b DBKL land sale
Taman Rimba Kiara
C4 Special Investigation: Taman Rimba Kiara Land Grab! - (15 March 2019)
C4 Centre exposes serious conflict of interest and complex web of connections between former FT Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan and property tycoon, Tan Sri Desmond Lim Siew Choon (Malton Berhad)
Taman Rimba Kiara - The Land Grab Infographic
Before the change of government following the general elections on 9 May 2018, C4 Center has been a strong advocate for good governance which includes the development of a framework that prevents any form of conflict of interest from occurring at various levels of government.
In light of C4 Center’s unwavering commitment to advocating good governance agenda, we have taken the initiative to research on a policy paper on conflict of interest, and how to combat the corruption agenda in Malaysia.
The connection between Tengku Adnan, former FT Minister and the directors of the companies mentioned in the info-graphic will raise queries as to serious conflict of interest in the dealings.
TTDI folk have no locus standi, lawyer tells court
7 February 2020
Lawyer Cecil Abraham said Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) residents and the joint management body (JMB) of condominiums have no legal standing (locus standi) to object to the development at Taman Rimba Kiara. Abraham representing Malton Bhd and Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan, said the residents are not owners of the land next to the development and the park is not public. Save Taman Rimba, comprised of a group of TTDI residents appealed for a judicial review to challenge the development approval. It is a venture between Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan (YWP) and Memang Perkasa Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Malton Bhd. The Federal Territories minister has to be chairman of YWP, which critics argued that it is a conflict of interest.
TTDI residents had to demand Taman Rimba Kiara traffic report, lawyer tells court
15 January 2020
Lawyer Gurdial Singh who represents the TTDI residents in the fight against the development of a condominium project by the Federal Territories Ministry said that even if there was no legal obligation for the developer to provide the project’s traffic impact assessment (TIA) report, the developer should still have to do so out of “material consideration” for the residents to decide on further action. The TIA was presented after the legal challenge when they were questioned.
Malton Scaled-down Project starts next year
TTDI residents say not to scaled-down Rimba Kiara project
C4 Center Press Statement (7 July 2019) – Tengku Adnan’s Interest In Pavilion Genting Highlands Project – Was It Payoff For Taman Rimba Kiara Approvals?
7 July 2019 – C4 Center issued a press statement on 7 July 2019 to express their concern that a potential conflict of interest involving the former Federal Territories Minister, Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor and the proposed development at Taman Rimba Kiara. C4 Center conducted further analysis on the matter and wished to present their findings. C4 Center found several parallel events that occurred at the same time during a period of 2016 and 2017, which points to a relationship between the activities surrounding the Taman Rimba Kiara project and the Pavillion Genting Highland project with companies associated with Tengku Adnan. Please read the full press release here.
Taman Rimba Kiara issue to be settled by the end of July, says FT Minister
Everyone gets something in Taman Rimba Kiara solution, says Khalid
AG will be asked to Mediate in Dispute over Taman Rimba Kiara
No Development on Taman Rimba Kiara, For Now, Says Yayasan
Khalid Samad to propose halving Taman Rimba Kiara development size
Cabinet to Decide on Taman Rimba Kiara Project
C4 Center Press Statement (22 January 2019) – Tengku Adnan Should Be Investigated For Dubious Land Deal Relating To Taman Rimba Kiara
22 January 2019 – C4 Center issued a press statement on 22 January 2019 to express their concern about dubious land deal relating to the Taman Rimba Kiara development. The residents of Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) have been protesting a high-rise development project for the past two years, even calling for the park to be gazette as a public space to prevent development from taking place. In the press release, C4 Center express concern on the alleged involvement of Tengku Adnan, during his time as Federal Territories Minister, Yayasan Wilayah Persekutuan, and the developers of the project. Read the full press release here.
Joint committee to be formed to resolve Taman Rimba Kiara issue says FT Minister
TTDI residents appeal against Taman Rimba Kiara court verdict
Hopes for Kiara park in despair
TTDI residents ask PM to stop Taman Rimba Kiara development
Bukit Nenas Forest Reserve (BNFR), dubious land deal
Why is the Bukit Nenas Heritage Zone & Forest Reserve shrinking?
We are concern that the only patch of secondary forest in Kuala Lumpur city center is being shrunk for the sake of development. We found evidence that brought up many questions that the Federal Territory Minister needs to answer.
Vanke commits to preserving Bukit Nanas
C4: Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve area mysteriously smaller by nearly 1ha
C4 Center Press Statement (22 January 2019) – Bukit Nanas Heritage Zone And Forest Reserve: The Shrinking Of The Kuala Lumpur’s Remaining Green Lung
4 April 2019 – C4 Center issued a press statement on 4 April 2019 to express their concern on the recent statement made by the Federal Territories (FT) Minister, Khalid Abdul Samad, to buy back a piece of land in Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve (BNFR). C4 Center is extremely concerned with the recent developments surrounding the DBKL land acquisitions and/or sales to private developers, where a lack of clarity and opaque explanations from the current FT Minister, have left the current status of the land deals appearing suspicious. Read the full press release here.
DBKL to buy land and save forest reserve
China Vanke’s first project to be launched this year with an estimated RM5b GDV
Penang Transport Master Plan
MACC raids companies as probe into Penang tunnel project resumes
30 June 2020
The Penang undersea tunnel project is getting fresh corruption probes by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) after a former Penang Port Commission top official was detained. The 50-year-old man previously served in a senior position in a Penang statutory body. Over 100 witnesses were called during February 2018’s probe into the RM305 million feasibility study and detailed design commissioned by the Penang government through a land-swap deal.
Penang will be given chance to implement PSR project, says Ahmad Masrizal
27 June 2020
Deputy Environment and Water Minister Datuk Dr Ahmad Masrizal Muhammad said the Ministry of Environment and Water will give the Penang state government a chance to implement the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project despite objections from several quarters. The Penang state government must comply with all the conditions and stipulations set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to proceed.
Penang Transport Master Plan: Construction work on LRT, PIL, PSR to begin by 4Q 2020 — Chow
14 February 2020
The Penang Government expects the construction work on the light rail transit (LRT), Pan Island Link (PIL) and Penang South Reclamation (PSR) projects under the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) to begin by the fourth quarter of this year. The reclaimed land of Gurney Coast will be ready by April.
Penang anti-reclamation coalition submits memorandum to Suhakam
17 January 2020
Penang Anti-Reclamation coalition submits memorandum to Suhakam to conduct a full investigation on Penang and Perak fisheries problem threatened by the South Penang Reclamation project and to ensure that local fishermen are not denied their rights to the fisheries resource area that has been their source of livelihood for generations.
CAP says ‘no’ to new project delivery partner agreement with SRS Consortium
26 December 2019
The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urged the Penang state government not to ink the new project delivery partner agreement with SRS Consortium for the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). The PTMP is highly argumentative due to the negative effects it will have on the environment and socio economy. There are cheaper and more viable options besides continuing with the PTMP.
27 October 2019
Eric Cheah wrote an opinion piece on seven reasons why the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP) is wrong. First, it is that the PTMP has deviated from the original Halcrow plan that was introduced to the Penang state in 2013.
Penang Island highway project to start on Oct 31
Transportation expert to Penang: Don’t build islands
C4 tells Penang govt to be transparent on the reclamation project
Take time to properly review PTMP, civil societies tell Penang govt
‘Collateral Damage’ of Penang reclamation project – NGOs to reveal all
Penang mega reclamation project a divisive issue on the ground
PSR Puts Penang in Danger
PSR: Penang Promises To Consider All Views
Journey to complete 3 Island Reclamation Project Will Be Tedious Says Penang CM
Chow: DoE has okayed Penang South Reclamation scheme
Five reasons why the PTMP is a white elephant masterplan
- High population density projections – he cast doubt on the ambitious projection
- Cost of Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) – cast doubt on the high cost of the project compared to other projects in the country.
- Artificially inflated benefits of Light Rapid Train – He feels the State is overstating the benefits of the LRTs on the island.
- Traffic congestion is here to stay – One of the benefits purported for the PTMP is that is will reduce congestion on the island’s roads. He cast doubt over that assertion.
- 40 % of public transport modal share will be missed – In his expert opinion that getting the Penangites to use public transportation will miss the 40% goal.
Khalid: NPPC Did Not Green Light Penang South Reclamation Project
NGOs Shocked Penang South Reclamation Project Given Green Light
Penang South Reclamation Project Gets Putrajaya Greenlight
Examining Penang’s South Reclamation Scheme
19 December 2018 –Timothy Thye, a spokesperson for AnakPinang, a Penang-based civil society group, wrote an article detailing the need for a rational discussion on the impact
FORBES: What Could Happen If Malaysia Builds Three More Islands
Kim-kim River Chemical Pollution
Sg Kim Kim: DOE officers trained in respective fields, says witness
6 December 2019
A second witness, Azlan Ahmad told the court yesterday, that every officer in the Department of Environment (DOE) had been trained to be a subject matter expert in their respective fields.The DOE officers will be exposed to a variety of methods including classifying waste materials and not just focusing on inspections or enforcement on premises or factories.
Judge visits used tyre processing factory in Sg Kim Kim case
4 December 2019
The Sessions Court judge in the Sg Kim Kim’s case, Wan Mohd Norisham Wan Yaakob, visited the site of the tyre processing factory in the Tg Langsat Industrial Area in Johor Baru with several interested parties in the case, including deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Muhammad Syafiq Mohd Ghazali, DPP for the Putrajaya Department of Environment (DOE) Nor Azura Jumuddin, and the first prosecution witness, Senior Control Officer for the DOE, Mohd Nazir Mansor, who is also the head of the Muar DOE branch. The trial continues tomorrow.
25 March 2019
P Tech Resources, a used tyre processing company, and its two directors were charged over their involvement in the Pasir Gudang chemical pollution case. It is alleged their actions has caused a wave of poisoning cases that has affected 2,770 people. It resulted in 111 schools being closed and a massive clean up operation in that area.
Johor has closed 111 schools over toxic gases from a polluted river – here’s the full timeline of what happened
Dozen rushed to the hospital due to toxic fumes
Lynas Advanced Materials Plant
Lynas’ licence extended
28 February 2020
Lynas Corporation’s Malaysian operation has received a new three-year operating licence until early March 2023. Lynas has to satisfy the conditions of the license such as the development of the permanent disposal facility (PDF) within the first year, submit work development plan for PDF and report status as determined by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB). After July 2023, Lynas would no longer be allowed to import raw materials containing naturally-occurring radioactive material into Malaysia. It costs RM210 million in cash to renew the operating license from AELB. Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas chairman Tan Bun Teet questioned whether all conditions and procedures had been fulfilled before the issuance of the licence by AELB and that AELB must have solid grounds for renewing the operating licence and not base it on Lynas’ submission of documents and its claims of expert studies.
Lynas: We will sue detractors for ‘false statements’ over Bukit Ketam facility
6 February 2020
Lynas slammed complaints made by Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh that the choice of Bukit Ketam could compromise the drinking water processing plant in Semambu for 600,000 Kuantan residents. Lynas clarified that the site is not in a water catchment area and external experts showed that the PDF can be constructed whereby there is no way for the wastes to reach the water supply. Lynas reiterated that the Pahang government has approved the Bukit Ketam site for the PDF residue.
Pahang govt refutes claim that Bukit Ketam is final site for Lynas permanent disposal facility
3 February 2020
The Pahang state government has repudiated that Bukit Ketam has been chosen as the site for Lynas Corporation’s permanent disposal facility (PDF) to process water leach purification (WLP) residue. Gading Senggara Sdn Bhd (GSSB) has been appointed as the contractor to manage the entire PDF project for an estimated total amount of US$98 million (RM400.7 million).
Lynas waste site: Need for transparency, public consultations before green light
3 February 2020
The Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) is expected to decide on Lynas Corporations’s permanent disposal facility (PDF) for water leach purification residue (WLP) which contains radioactive wastes. It was alarming according to Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) since the Lynas has announced that the Pahang state has approved the PDF site in Bukit Ketam. SAM has called for clarification and public consultations to be made while reminding us that the PDF must have the consent from AELB as well as the Department of Environment (DOE), completed with a Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) under the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA) under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984.
Lynas meets its commitment to Malaysia
21 January 2020
Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd, an Australian rare earth processing company’s safety performance improved with no public health or environmental incidents in its seven years of operation. Lynas Malaysia is committed to the safety of the people, communities and the environment. The Pakatan Harapan government’s 2018 Executive Review Committee found Lynas complies with relevant regulations and adopts international best practice.
Kuantan residents get nod for judicial review of Lynas licence extension by Cabinet
8 January 2020
The High Court in Kuala Lumpur granted leave for judicial review as the Malaysian government represented by the Attorney-General’s Chambers’ Liew Horng Bing did not object for the lawsuit to be heard in court. On November 8, 2019, three Kuantan residents — Tan Bun Teet, Ismail Abu Bakar, G. Ponusamy — as representatives of anti-Lynas groups Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas (SMSL) and Pertubuhan Solidariti Hijau Kuantan (PSHK) filed their application for leave for judicial review. The name of 31 respondents, including Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (Mestecc) Yeo Bee Yin, the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd are listed in the application.
Landfill near Kuantan as proposed as Lynas’ radioactive residue storage site
19 November 2019
The Australian miner, Lynas proposed three dumpsites as their permanent deposit facility (PDF) for rare earth processing plant to house its radioactive residue at Jabur Jerangau Landfill, 30 minutes drive from Kuantan said Abdul Rahim Muda, chairperson of the Pahang Local Government and Housing Committee. He told Lee Chean Chung (Harapan-Semambu) that the “proposal is subjected to the guidelines, conditions and approval from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change”. The cabinet has given Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd a six-month licence extension subject to conditions, effective from Sept 3 and have six months to identify a suitable site to construct its PDF backed by state government’s written permission.
Lynas applies to process more rare-earth material in Kuantan
No word from Lynas on the location of permanent disposal facility says Pahang MB
Australia’s man in Malaysia says Lynas Call was a big test.
At the anti-Lynas rally, calls for Pakatan MPs to quit but no burning of the manifesto.
Government “Very Cautious” in approving a license for Lynas
Govt renews Lynas’ licence for six months, but effectively gives it four more years
Faziah, whose political platform was built on her activism against the construction of the rare earth plant said in a statement;
“The new condition means the public will bear the risk of exposure to effects from radioactive water leach purification (WLP) waste produced in Gebeng for another four years. And Malaysia has to accept the toxic waste from Lynas,”
Hon Kai Pin, the legal adviser for “Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas!” pressure group reiterates Faziah’s disappointment by saying;
“Lynas has already generated close to 600,000 tonnes of thorium waste to date. Lynas has essentially been given a free-hand to continue to generate even more toxic radioactive waste in Malaysia to pollute and contaminate our environment,”
Lynas’ licence renewed for another six months
Msia asks Lynas for waste plan before licence renewal
Taking a Risk for Rare Earths
8 March 2011 – This New York Times article was attributed for highlighting the issue of the Lynas plant in Kuantan in 2011.
Papar Dam, Sabah
Sabah groups call for study on impact of Papar dam
22 February 2020
Two Sabah anti-dam groups have called for the establishment of an independent commission to study the impact of the Papar Dam. Task Force Against Kaiduan Dam (Takad) and the Save Papar River Committee called for an independent commission to study the impact of the Papar Dam as the Sabah government is insisting on carrying out the project. State Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony said that the project will proceed as planned.
06 September 2019
Community members from Ulu Papar, Sabah traveled across the South China Sea to Kuala Lumpur to mobilise Malayans to stop the construction of the proposed Papar Dam in Sabah. The nine Sabahan delegation are part of the Task Force Against Kaiduan Dam, who believes that the new dam is actually a rehashed Kaiduan Dam that was proposed by the deposed Barisan National government and had been strongly opposed by Pakatan Harapan before GE14. The new dam will submerge 12 villages and displace around 3000 people who live in the vicinity.
Cost-benefit analysis necessary for Papar Dam, says geologist
2 August 2019 –Prof Dr Felix Tongkul told The Star newspaper that the Sabah government needs to do a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the Papar Dam and other alternatives. He presented a 76 page presentation to Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Abpdal on 19 July 2019 on the possible environmental and social impact that the Papar Dam. He said the dam will destroy established villages like Kampung Timpayasa, Kampung Babagon Laut, Kampung Terian, Kampung Tiku and Kampung Buayan.
New ‘final’ site for Papar dam
Construction of RM2 billion Papar dam to begin next year
Haze
Awang Tengah: More enforcement, monitoring stations to address haze issue
19 November 2019
The new Lundu station, approved last year, is now in operation since a month ago. The effort was made to address the issues in protecting the environment and putting up air quality monitoring stations at the border. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said that the new station was timely in view of the haze that had been affecting the state annually. The state has a total of four such stations in Lawas, Lubok Antu and Tebedu, which have been upgraded and also operational last month.
23 September 2019
Malaysia has adopted several key policies to ensure sustainable oil palm cultivation, including capping the total of oil palm cultivated area to 6.5 million hectares, said Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok. The policies also included stopping the planting of oil palm in peatland areas and strengthening regulations concerning existing oil palm cultivation on peatland, she said. “We also banned the conversion of forest reserved areas for oil palm cultivation and also pledged to make the oil palm plantation maps available for public access,” she said at the 39th Palm Oil Familiarisation Programme (POFP), here today.
Haze: IOI, Sime Darby among M’sian firms blamed for Indonesia forest fires
13 September 2019 – Malaysia is currently being blanketed by haze and poor air quality. The Indonesian government has identified four palm oil companies with Malaysian links which they suspect are the culprits of forest fires in Indonesia. The four companies are:
- Sukses Karya Sawit (a unit of IOI Corporation)
- Sime Indo Argo (a unit of Sime Darby Plantations)
- Rafi Kamajaya Abadi (a unit of TDM Berhad, which is owned by the state of Terengganu)
- Adei Plantations and Industry ( a unit of Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad)
Unfair to blame oil palm industry for haze, says Kok
C4 – Teresa Kok’s deflection of the responsibility of the Palm Industry for the annual haze crisis that Malaysia is tone-deaf and brings to question to the effectiveness of her Ministry of Primary Industries in regulating Palm Oil corporations and players. El Nino is a regular occurrence that happens during the months of September and November each year. To plan land clearing and the methods around this yearly weather event is within the reach and ability of the industry. Her comments and actions suggest that the current administration is failing to adhere to Promise 39 of the PH manifesto to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Kok: Four oil palm plantation firms ready to answer accusations
Plastic and E-Waste Dumping in Malaysia
Malaysia top plastic ocean polluter in Asia, says WWF
17 February 2020
WWF report on plastic compared countries in Asia and found that Malaysia is the biggest individual consumers of plastic packaging. Asia has fast-growing economies and populations, and enormous coastlines but garbage collection services and infrastructure are incompetent in keeping pace with rapid development.
Reveal details of legal recycle operators in the state, Penang told
13 February 2020
Penang Forum, a coalition of several NGOs, asked for a smart website from the Penang state to show the public the details of legal recycling operators, their locations and permit data. Civil society groups have called on the Penang government to publicly reveal the list of legal operators of recycling products in the state to address the issue of illegal plastic wastes. The spokesperson of Penang Forum, Khoo Salma Nasution said: “That way, the people can immediately check if the recycle operator in their neighbourhood is a legal one or not.”
Illegal Penang plastic recycling plant caught red handed
12 February 2020
The Department of Environment (DoE) said that a hill in the south of Penang next to Relau had been used as an open burning site for waste. Residents in the area as well as Sungai Ara area, complaints have been filed to the Penang executive councillor Phee Boon Poh on the smell of burning plastic. The official of the company and the owner failed to show evidence of operating the factory with a City Council permit. The case has been forwarded to the council authorities.
Greenpeace accuses Italy of turning blind eye on hazardous waste export to Malaysia
11 February 2020
Greenpeace Italy has slammed the Italian government for doing nothing despite knowingly importing harmful plastic waste to Malaysia. The containers should be checked thoroughly according to Greenpeace as they leave the Italian cities. The illegal waste kept in Malaysia has polluted the environment and the water in the country. Greenpeace has submitted its findings to Italian prosecutors.
Residents cry foul over burning plastic waste in Penang
11 February 2020
In the hills of rustic Relau, in southern Penang Island, a site collecting waste has been operating in plain sight, with a makeshift sorting facility and all the marks of an active recycling centre. The residents of Relau and Sungai Area said they had seen plumes of smoke apparently from large “bonfires” at a site where acrid stench of electrical wiring filled the air. The said site is shrouded by raintrees, the visible smoke from the site unveils large open burning activities. The site is hidden from sight by large raintrees, but the open burning is a giveaway, and clearly visible from tall apartments that dot the fringes of the hill.
Italy told to stop using Malaysia as plastics dumping ground
10 February 2020
Since China, the former biggest international plastic waste importer imposed a ban on the waste imports, Malaysia has been the target for the import instead. Germany tops the demand for plastic in the EU, followed by Italy. EU law specified that members can export plastic waste to non-EU countries only if the waste is recyclable and the companies chosen must follow the environmental and technical standards requirement in European treatment facilities. However, the lenient restrictions at the ports have resulted in massive exports of toxic and hard-to-recycle plastic into illegal factories. Greenpeace Italy urges the Italian government to take action against such illegal activities and emphasized that it cannot be ignored by the government. According to the amendment to the Basel convention of the United Nations last May, the shipments of unrecyclable plastic to poorer countries is restricted. From January next year, exporters will have to get export approval from the government of the receiving countries.
228 plastic waste recycling plants shut, suspended since July 2018 – Mestecc
6 February 2020
228 plastic waste recycling plants, both legal and illegal are given a RM2.323 million in total and is ordered to be shut down as the factories have committed offences under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Energy, Science, Technology, Climate Change and Environment (Mestecc) deputy minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said the Department of Environment has inspected 405 factories nationwide since 2018 and 182 factories were found to be operating illegally. Some of the monitoring methods include the usage of drones and closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) and plastic waste processing machines.
Waste remains near Kedah water source for 3 million people despite clean-up pledge
5 February 2020
Six months ago, a dumpsite on the banks of Sungai Muda was highlighted and authorities promised to clear the waste up. The pile of garbage at the site in Kg Kemumbung, Sidam Kiri is gone but there is plastic waste covering the whole site. Caretakers of the land said that the land is being investigated and no one should be around. One of them said the authorities asked them to bury the rubbish. The authorities had earlier warned that dumping the wastes there would let dangerous particles seep and contaminate the river, Sungai Muda which supplies water to hundreds of padi fields. Two dumpsites near the river share the same attributes of defunct sand mining pools turned into illegal waste sites.
Sungai Muda, Kedah’s source of water, under threat of pollution from e-waste dump
3 February 2020
Kampung Belida’s three-acre mining pool near Kuala Ketil is now filled with rubbish instead of angler fish. Villagers living close by around Sungai Muda, are worried as the e-waste metal can seep into the riverbed. Sungai Muda is the main source of water for Kedah and Penang, and supplies water to over 50000 padi farmers. At the banks of the same river, a six-acre site near Sidam Kiri, Padang Serai, has been filled with plastic waste from all over the world. Checks at the Kampung Belida dumping ground showed similarities with other illegal dumps in Sungai Petani. There were plastic pellets and municipal waste from Canada, France and other developed countries.
Back to back plastic waste fires
22 January 2020
The below ground burning of plastic waste in Sungai Petani had caused major challenges for the firemen. The Bedong landfill does not have fire hydrants, ponds or rivers nearby. Firemen had to drive further away to get the fire engines’ water tanks filled. Half an hour is needed to refill the tanks. At the same time, another factory site where scraps are stashed caught on fire as well. The firemen has to rush to the other site.
150 containers of plastic waste shipped back
21 January 2020
150 illegal plastic waste containers were sent back to France, the UK, the US seized at Klang, Penang and Sarawak ports. Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said Malaysia will not tolerate actions that would turn the country into the world’s garbage site. 110 more containers are expected to be shipped back within the next six months.
France takes back 43 illegal waste containers from Malaysia
20 January 2020
In a joint statement by the Malaysia and France, 43 illegal plastic waste containers were shipped back to France as part of a crackdown on illegal trafficking of waste. The company responsible for the shipment of illegal waste has been fined €192,000 euros (RM864,000). Malaysia has returned 150 plastic waste containers to their countries of origin in the past eight months, including to the United States, Britain, Japan and Canada.
Ministry committed to addressing environment, climate issues: Yeo
30 December 2019
Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (Mestecc) ensured the public that the ministry is committed to develop strategies to deal with environmental and climate change issues. So far, initiatives such as the shipping back of plastic waste to their countries of origin, recognising the necessity for stricter controls on imports of plastic waste and manage open burning and haze issues are taken up by the ministry.
UK agrees to take back 42 containers of illegally imported plastic waste from Malaysia
25 November 2019
In compliance with the Basel Convention, the United Kingdom will repatriate 42 containers of illegal shipments of plastic waste from Malaysia which arrived at Penang Port from March 2018 to March 2019. These illegal shipments failed to adhere to specific documentations. by the UK’s Environment Agency (EA) in response to news of the illegal shipment of plastic waste from the UK. The waste are usually of low-quality and cannot be recyclable.
Circular economy roadmap for policy on plastics to be launched by 2020
18 November 2019
A circular economy roadmap (CER) for plastics will be introduced by 2020, as part of the 2018-2030 roadmap towards zero single-use plastics. The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change takes the lead and it seeks to give all stakeholders a unified strategy to address single-use plastics in Malaysia. The International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said Malaysia is preparing to make strides towards sustainability and is developing a CER for plastics including bottles. According to Dr Ong, “the potential for the circular economy and recycling is huge… While the government needs to provide incentives and support ‘replacement’… the private sector’s role is also necessary to introduce innovative solutions”. Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association VP CC Cheah said plastic recycling industry had already yielded RM4.5 billion to the country’s economy and expected “to increase to between RM15 billion and RM20 billion annually if there is more investment in technology, infrastructure and upgraded capacity”.
Non-conforming plastic waste to be sent back – ministry
14 November 2019
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) said that in order to control the illegal import of millions of tonnes of plastic waste from elsewhere to the country, only clean and homogeneous imported plastic waste is allowed to be shipped to Malaysia and among those approved were plastic waste originating from Japan, the United States, Europe and West Asia. These countries supply high quality and clean plastic waste such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) lumps and polyethylene (PE) films. Also to be returned are containers without plastic waste import licence. KPKT also imposes stricter requirements according to HS Code & tariff codes 39.15 for plastic waste import. Integrated operations are conducted to tighten controls at the federal port entrance by various government agencies and review issues related to legislation, regulation, enforcement and control from time to time through the Imported Plastic Scrap Management Master Committee chaired by the KPKT secretary-general and the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change secretary-general.
5 facts about the waste dumping crisis in Malaysia that you probably didn’t know
Yeo: Plastics dumped here to be shipped back today.
Plastic pollution: One town smothered by 17,000 tonnes of rubbish
Related News
12 October 2019
In Lim Guan Eng’s 2020 budget presentation on 11 October 2019, RM30 million was allocated to the Department of Environment and the Chemistry Department to resolve the nearly yearly haze crisis. In addition to that, the government has additional money to mitigate floods, protection of endangered animals, biodiversity and environmental sustainability programs.
Back to back plastic waste fires
22 January 2020
The below ground burning of plastic waste in Sungai Petani had caused major challenges for the firemen. The Bedong landfill does not have fire hydrants, ponds or rivers nearby. Firemen had to drive further away to get the fire engines’ water tanks filled. Half an hour is needed to refill the tanks. At the same time, another factory site where scraps are stashed caught on fire as well. The firemen has to rush to the other site.
150 containers of plastic waste shipped back
21 January 2020
150 illegal plastic waste containers were sent back to France, the UK, the US seized at Klang, Penang and Sarawak ports. Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said Malaysia will not tolerate actions that would turn the country into the world’s garbage site. 110 more containers are expected to be shipped back within the next six months.
France takes back 43 illegal waste containers from Malaysia
20 January 2020
In a joint statement by the Malaysia and France, 43 illegal plastic waste containers were shipped back to France as part of a crackdown on illegal trafficking of waste. The company responsible for the shipment of illegal waste has been fined €192,000 euros (RM864,000). Malaysia has returned 150 plastic waste containers to their countries of origin in the past eight months, including to the United States, Britain, Japan and Canada.
Activist slams Penang govt over hill clearing
MACC turns attention to environment-related corruption
C4 tells Penang govt to be transparent on reclamation project
Take time to properly review PTMP, civil societies tell Penang govt
Malaysia adopts policies to ensure sustainable oil palm cultivation
C4 – Teresa Kok, the Minister for Primary Industries made a statement that her ministry has initiatives that can improve the sustainability and lower the environmental impact of the Palm Oil Industry in Malaysia. This statement was made in conjunction with an event with industry players to promote Palm Oil. On paper, these initiatives look like positive steps have been made in balancing economic growth and environmental protection as stated in Promise 39 of the PH manifesto. It is too soon to see the impact of the initiative and judgement will be reserved for now. However, her inability to articulate and express concerns that the public has on the industry questions her loyalties as minister; it for industry players or is for the public.
Haze: IOI, Sime Darby among M’sian firms blamed for Indonesia forest fires
Unfair to blame oil palm industry for haze, says Kok
C4 – Teresa Kok’s deflection of the responsibility of the Palm Industry for the annual haze crisis that Malaysia is tone-deaf and brings to question to the effectiveness of her Ministry of Primary Industries in regulating Palm Oil corporations and players. El Nino is a regular occurrence that happens during the months of September and November each year. To plan land clearing and the methods around this yearly weather event is within the reach and ability of the industry. Her comments and actions suggest that the current administration is failing to adhere to Promise 39 of the PH manifesto to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Kok: Four oil palm plantation firms ready to answer accusations
Review regularly the environmental policies and regulations and benchmarked against International Best Practices
24 September 2019
The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (MESTECC) will be preparing a cabinet paper on the need to create a Transboundary Pollution Act in three months. This bill will be called the “Cross-Border Pollution Act” and will apply to Malaysian companies and individuals and hold them overseas polluters accountable.
27 August 2019 – A joint conference between the federal and Johor state governments needs to be conducted to address environmental issues and to pave the way for a blueprint to ensure environmental quality in the state.
C4 – A “climate emergency” needs to be called as the government’s and population’s lackadaisical attitude towards the environment by the government and the general public will hurt us and the future generation. The past months Malaysia have been plagued with dangerous environmental disasters from landslides, worsening air quality, the dumping of western plastic waste to the tragic pollution cases in Johor that has affected school children. The time for thinking is over. Now is the time for action.
As per Mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan (2016 – 2020):
Strengthening Policy, Legislation and Institutional Framework
Improving Capacity and Capability, Intensifying enforcement and compliance and Improving environment-related data for reporting, monitoring and evaluation
Sustainable Infrastructure Rating Tool
16 October 2018 – Government to finalise details of banning the import of non-recyclable plastic waste by year-end
All development projects must comply with international environmental protection standards
12 July 2019
The operating permit of a factory carrying out metal and e-waste recycling activities in Industrial Area 2, near Segamat, was suspended immediately today after it was found to have caused air pollution.
19 October 2018 – Government identified initiatives to increase sustainable development including:
- Formulating an Environmental Protection Act
- Cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 45% relative to level in 2005
- Installing 8,885 MW of renewable energy
- Targeting 30% recycling rate for household waste
- Developing an integrated weather and flood forecasting system
Review approved or ongoing controversial projects to ensure compliance with established standards
27 September 2019
The Penang Tolak Tambak coalition would brief the media on the “Opacity, Overreach and Collateral Damage” of the state’s megaprojects – Penang South Reclamation (PSR) and the RM46 billion transport master plan (PTMP).
C4 – Transparency and accountability needs to be incorporated at all steps in any development projects and not only stop at the early tendering stages. Based on the statement by the “Penang Tolak Tambak” coalition, the public consultative process for the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) project was mired with missed opportunities and opaqueness. This has lead to a massive erosion of public trust. The lack of information and close consultation with the people by the developer and state government has left a bitter taste as it left an impression that the state is only concerned about the economic benefits of the project. The Penang Tolak Tambak coalition and the Penang Fishermen Association will organise a strike on 4 November to highlight the importance of the fishing industry in the state and the plight of the people affected by the PSR. They have resorted to this as they feel that their voices are being drowned out by cash-rich developers and politically connected group. Promise 30 of the PH manifesto promised to balance economic growth with environmental protection; it seems they are ignoring this promise for cold hard cash. Granted, that with more development will lead to increase prosperity, but what is the point of that if there are no longer fish and seafood products in the supermarket to buy.
C4 – The megaprojects in Penang like the Penang Transport Master Plan and Penang South Reclamation need to have accountability and transparency built-in. The Penang State government, which is led by the Democratic Action Party (a key party in the Pakatan Harapan coalition), commissioned these projects via proposal instead of open tender. This suspicious process calls into question the sincerity of the administration towards the procurement process and to the people of Penang. Pakatan Haparan needs to put transparency as a critical driver in the administration to clean out the rot that is blemishing the reputation of our country. All aspects of these projects need to have processes that allow for public scrutiny as their impact or damage the environment and Penangnites might be irreversible. Where are the promises that were made last year when Lim Guan Eng, DAP leader, when campaigning for our vote? Are were handing over the reign of our country for one crook to another?
C4 – Lynas received approval by the Department of Environment (DOE) to build a landfill for waste from their plant. Their proposal was approved with 68 conditions to mitigate concerns by the DOE. On paper, this move by the PH government seems to be adhering to Promise 39 of their manifesto where they are reviewing approved or ongoing controversial projects to ensure compliance with established standards. However, the spirit of the manifesto has tarnished as several PH members of parliament were elected on an Anti-Lynas platform. A promise is a promise, and more needs to be done to explain and action to be seen resolve this issue before it turns to a festering pile of resentment.
23 August 2019 – A special audit on the sale of land owned by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) will be conducted with the assistance of the National Audit Department, said Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Datuk Dr Noraini Ahmad.
2 May 2019 – The Energy, Science, Technology, Climate Change and Environment Ministry (MESTECC) has appointed a new director for the Johor Department of Environment (DoE) to strengthen the department’s machinery to address river pollution in the state.
26 September 2018 – The government has charted a zero-waste plan to abolish single-use plastic by 2030
21 July 2019
Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok must learn the difference between the situation of small holders in Peninsula Malaysia and Sarawak before supporting the palm oil industries, said Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM). Kok was told that there can be no sustainable palm oil industry if native customary land rights (NCR) continue to be encroached by big plantations companies.
Minister to take on wildlife laws
11 February 2020
Malaysia Water, Land, and Natural Resources Minister Xavier Jayakumar announced that Malaysia will be hosting the third Asean Conference on Biodiversity. Malaysia is setting up a national biodiversity centre in Banting to coordinate efforts by government agencies and the private sector. The government will also review the laws in relation to the protection of wildlife and forests such as the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the National Forestry Act 1984. The amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716) and the National Forestry Act 1984 will be tabled in the March and November parliamentary session to make the laws stricter for effective governance.
12 June 2019
TRAGEDIES that befall Orang Asli tribes will eventually affect other Malaysians, as seen in natural disasters across the country over the past few years, said environmental groups.
20 March 2019 – Nine arrests made over Sungai Kim Kim pollution incident
15 February 2019 – Government is cracking down on illegal plastic recycling plants that are damaging rivers
26 November 2018 –Parliament formed a caucus to study the report by Lynas review committee
27 January 2019
Minister communicated a Low Carbon Cities 2030 vision, visiting Batu Pahat as one example of a city on track to be a low carbon emission city
04 May 2019
Minister Yeo Bee Yin, who helms the vast ministry, has been implementing 80 initiatives across its many agencies since assuming the post on July 2 last year. Part of the initiatives touch on energy, especially renewable energy, research and development, start-up funding and climate change.
15 November 2018
Electrical and Tariff Supply Implementation and Planning Committee found that some 3,991 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy need to be added to the power supply system.
14 July 2018
Government cancels four independent power producer (IPP) contracts from the previous administration as part of their plan to focus on renewable energy
06 May 2019
The government aims to replace the Environmental Quality Act 1974 with a new act, which would see greater enforcement powers and stiffer punishments meted out to those who pollute the environment.
09 June 2019
More stringent checks will be carried out on containers at all ports to ensure no prohibited plastic waste enters the country. Customs director-general Datuk Paddy Abdul Halim said they are working with the National Solid Waste Management Department (NSWMD) and the Department of Environment to combat the smuggling of plastic waste into Malaysia.
No updates
26 April 2019
During a dialog with with 40 Chinese investors in Beijing on 26 April 2019, Dr Mahathir said Malaysia is working to switch from conventional power generation with renewable power generation methods. When asked if nuclear power is an option for Malaysia, he said, “No”. The Prime Minister was in Beijing to attend the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
18 September 2018 – No nuclear power plants for Malaysia’s electricity, says Dr M
03 August 2019
Mohamed Shah Redza Hussein, general manager for the Perak State Parks Corporation, said that the Royal Belum State Park is on the UNESCO shortlist. The park is being considered as it is older than the Amazon and Congo rainforest with an abundance of flora and fauna which includes the endangered Malayan Tiger.