Bernama 13 May 10;
KOTA KINABALU, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Department of Environment (DoE) is expected to take three months to study the environmental impact assessment report on the proposed coal-fired power plant project in Lahad Datu.
Lahad Datu Energy Sdn Bhd's director Ahmad Faraid Mohd Yahaya said as the project's terms of reference had been completed, the report was expected to be handed to a special committee under the department before end of this month.
"The public, including Felda Sahabat settlers, were given the opportunity to give their feedback for the environmental impact assessment report," Ahmad Faraid said.
"We will gather comments from community representatives and then go back to the DoE for feedback before a final decision is made," he said at a briefing for community leaders of the Likas area here Thursday.
Lahad Datu Energy, which is supporting the project, is a joint venture company of Tenaga Nasional Bhd and several private companies, including state-owned companies.
The 300-megawatt power station project in Felda Sahabat is intended to meet the shortage of electricity supply in the east coast area but has been opposed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) concerned over the environmental impact.
Lahad Datu Energy has appointed experts from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sabah to carry out the environmental impact assessment, covering aspects such as the effect on the health of residents, marine life, land animals, forest reserves and pollution.
According to Ahmad Faraid, DoE approval will only be given if the environmental impact assessment report showed that the project has fulfilled the conditions laid down by the department.
DoE authorities will also monitor the project throughout the implementation, he said.
Ahmad Faraid said the proposed project site was in a 69-hectare palm oil estate in Kg Sinakut, Felda Sahabat 16.
"The implementation needs 40 months and if approved, the first unit is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2013 and the second unit in 2014," he said.
-- BERNAMA
