Special monitoring team proposed to monitor development projects in Cameron Highlands - Nik Nazmi
Nik Nazmi
Its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the team would comprise various agencies led by the state Land and Mines Office (PTG).
"With the establishment of the team, it is also expected to ensure projects get the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report approval from the Department of Environment (DOE) first before being approved.
"This is also including hazard and risk assesment of landslide by the Department of Mineral sand Geoscience (JMG) before the execution by relevant agencies," he said in a statemen on Tuesday.
Previously, the media reported that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ordered that all development project approvals in Cameron Highlands to be temporarily postponed.
His Majesty ordered that all projects, especially projects involving agriculture and livestock breeding, whether those that have been or will be given approval involving the highland area, to be reviewed.
Nik Nazmi said JMG Coordination and Operations director will lead the slope monitoring team assisted by Pahang State JMG to monitor the current site conditions, to assess risk of landslide following agricultural work and activities near the area.
Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi said Department of Environment (DoE)'s investigation into development projects in Cameron Highlands area found 16 projects that are subjected to the EIA Order 2015 and have been approved.
"These projects are currently under periodic monitoring by DOE, namely 10 projects that hasn't begun yet, one has started its operation and ongoing construction work, as well as five more have initiated ground work.
"DOE has also published methods to identify remedies more effectively through Aerial Impact Assessment (AIA) and Immediate Remedial Action Plan (IRAP)," he stated.
Separately, Nik Azmi informed that DOE has conducted an investigation on the project that caused mud flood in Kampung Raja town, Cameron Highlands on last Dec 20.
"The investigation found that the project developer did not conduct EIA report and did not apply for EIA report approval, as it was necessary to obtain an EIA report approval before initiating any work," he explained.
According to Nik Nazmi, EIA report approval is a crucial input in the planning process.
"However in this case, the project was approved without EIA and DOE involvement.
"Accordingly, the DOE has taken action under the Environmental Quality Act (AKAS) 1974 which is to issue a Notice of Instruction under Sections 31 and 37 to stop work on site until the approval of the EIA report is obtained," he said.
He added that the developer has also been instructed to implement remedial measures to avoid mud floods.
"Investigation papers for this case are also being prepared for the purpose of prosecution in court," he explained.
