Sabah forums to get feedback on coal-fired power plant

Mutuntan Vanar, The Star 5 Dec 09;

TAWAU: Environmentalists will conduct statewide forums to get public feedback on the proposed 300MW coal-fired power plant at Felda Sahabat in Sinakut, about 100km from Lahad Datu.

Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa) president Wong Tack said the forums organised by newly-formed Green Surf was aimed at getting real feedback from the grassroots about the controversial power plant.

Wong said the forums were important to show the real worries about the project that was not in line with Sabah’s pro-environment emphasis.

He said the forums were in line with a call by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun for non-governmental organisations to express their views through forums instead of the media.

He said they hoped to invite Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd officials and other related departments to the forums to hear the people’s views.

Wong, whose Sepa is part of the Green Surf group, said the power plant was not necessary as there were cleaner technology options.

“We have rivers that can generate hydro power and millions of tonnes of biomass. We can use local resources instead of importing coal,” he said, adding that the 300MW Kimanis gas-powered plant and the proposed Liwagu hydro project could meet current needs.

“The state should also fast-track the Upper Padas hydro power plant,” he said, adding that the east coast of Sabah had sufficient biomass fuel for power-generation needs.