Residents object Batu Arang incinerator proposal

RAWANG - Over 20 associations representing 100,000 residents in Batu Arang, Kota Puteri, Kundang, Bandar Tasik Puteri and Bandar Country Homes have objected to a project proposed to develop an incinerator at Lot 3847 here.

Rawang Tolak Incinerator Network coordinator Dr Lam Choong Wah said residents have urged the federal and state governments to cancel the proposed waste-to-energy plant project taking into account environmental and solid waste management factors.

He said it was feared that the location of the project which was less than a kilometre away from residents' homes, schools and houses of worship would invite health, safety and social risks to them.

"The burning of waste harms the health of the population and the environment through toxic emissions that lead to air, soil and water pollutions as well as crop pollution.

"Residents will also face odour problems, traffic congestion leading to land value depreciation as well as loss of green areas if this project proceeds," he said in a briefing session and press conference, today.

Residents' representatives showing the proposed location of the incinerator project in Batu Arang, today.

Also present was Kuang assemblyman Mohd Rafiq Abdullah.

He said protest petition was being collected to be submitted to the state government and Selangor Menteri Besar soon.

"The development of the plant is not in line with the Bandar Batu Arang Special Area Plan 2030 which states that the area needs to be highlighted as a Heritage City as there are numerous heritage buildings in the area.

"We request that a dialogue session be held with the Menteri Besar to discuss the issues that concern the residents," he said.

Meanwhile, Rafiq said the issue will be brought up in the State Legislative Assembly session which was expected to convene in September.

"I will bring up this issue in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly meeting and invite other assemblymen to oppose this project together.

"I beg the residents' committee to prepare an official protest document before the session begins and I will bear all the costs," he said.