IPOH: There shouldn’t be any projects on the uncommon earth – lanthanide – mining website, due to its excessive sensitivity as a part of the Central Forest Spine (CFS), says Meor Razak Meor Abdul Rahman.
The Sahabat Alam Malaysia subject officer, along with different environmentalist teams stated the world was presently the habitat for elephants, tigers, deers and lots of different fauna sources.
ALSO READ: Satellite pix were of preliminary work for tin mining site halted in 2021, says Perak MB
“The Mentri Besar (Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad) stated the undertaking was authorised prior to him holding workplace.
“We found out that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was applied and rejected last year.
“But then, he (Saarani) announced that it was approved later.
ALSO READ: Takiyuddin: Hulu Perak rare earth project not radioactive
“We couldn’t help but wonder why the state Environment Department approved the project when it is located right within CFS, which is an area with the highest sensitivity,” he advised a press convention held by state Opposition chief Dr Abdul Aziz Bari on Tuesday (June 14).
Meor Razak stated though the undertaking’s EIA was utilized final 12 months, clearing has been executed in the world again in 2019.
ALSO READ: New rare earth project in Perak is to mine non-radioactive lanthanide, says Takiyuddin
“The proposed site for the project is located at CFS Primary Linkage 8.
“The size of the site will be 20% from the total linkage, which is 2,161ha out of 15,373ha.
“Based on the satellite image shown in 2019, at least 100ha, which is around 5% of the site, has been cleared and now, equipped with retention ponds and tarred roads.
“While we understand that the state government needs to find financial sources, why must the project be done at a place that is the habitat of protected mammals and diverse ecosystem,” he stated, including that there was additionally no mitigation plan proposed by the undertaking.
ALSO READ: SAM calls on DOE to reject proposed Hulu Perak in-situ lanthanide mining project
Meor Razak stated that primarily based on earlier experiences, fences can be constructed to keep away from elephants from getting into the undertaking website.
“This will not be a mitigation plan. With a number of areas already cleared, the state authorities ought to cease the undertaking straight away and restore the habitat as quickly as doable.
“We are not against the project but rather the location as it will bring more harm than good,” he stated.
On June 11, Saarani stated the undertaking positioned in Hulu Perak has not began as claimed by some environmentalists.
He stated the satellite tv for pc pictures of the location had been of a tin mining undertaking that was stopped final 12 months.
Meor Razak stated the one undertaking that might be carried out in such a sensitive space is low-impact eco-tourism.
“If it was previously a tin mining project, how did it start when there is no EIA?
“We have various agencies that supposedly protect the area. Did they inform the Mentri Besar about the area? Or did he make a decision without consulting others?” he stated.
Separately, Abdul Aziz questioned the primary beneficiary of the undertaking.
“Will the project benefit the nearby community?
“With four to five agencies that sit between the state and the federal government, did they conduct a check and balance?” he stated.
At one other occasion, Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man stated the EIA was below the purview of the ministry.
He stated they’d monitor the pilot undertaking to guarantee it adopted all guidelines and rules.
He stated though the EIA was authorised, the ministry would proceed to monitor the undertaking carefully.
“Just like any other project where the EIA is granted, we take public feedback and complaints seriously,” he stated.
