Forest reserves in Selangor not affected by ECRL project
SYDI ALIF06 Feb 2023 05:03pm
Image for illustrative purposes only - FILE PIX
This includes those within the Selangor State Park.
MRL the project owner together with its main contractor China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd reiterated that both parties worked closely with the authorities and government agencies at all levels to fully comply with all the requirements set out by the authorities to protect the environment and safeguard public interest, the company said in a statement.
To facilitate preparatory works for the ECRL construction, MRL has obtained a right-of-way permit (permit izin lalu) from the Forestry Department so that their contractors can enter the forest reserve to carry out licensed activities related to ECRL.
ECRL construction activities under Section C2 (Gombak-Serendah-Pelabuhan Klang) which is fully located within Selangor are said to be carried out in consultation with local communities and all relevant stakeholders and is in accordance to the regulatory requirements.
For the record, the ECRL Railway Scheme for Section C2 was granted by the Transport Ministry to MRL on Jan 14 2022 after a three-month Public Inspection as per the statutory requirements in Land Public Transport Act 2010.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), a mandatory requirement under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, was submitted to Department of Environment (DOE) on 30 Nov 2021 and approved on 20 Dec 2021. On 14 Sep 2022, MRL received approval from the Selangor State Government to proceed with the construction of ECRL Section C2 alignment in Selangor.
To safeguard the environment, the ECRL Project has among others complied with the approved EIA, Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) guidelines and conditions that were prescribed by the DOE and Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) accordingly.
In addition, both MRL and CCC-ECRL are proactively holding meetings and engagement sessions with the Selangor state authorities and all stakeholders of the ECRL project including the local communities living near the ECRL work sites. This is to ensure the voices of all affected parties and public concerns are fully considered to minimise social and environmental impact.
