Malaysia: We’ll ensure Johor refinery project is done right

The Star 1 Aug 12;

KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA has assured Pengerang residents in Johor that the party will ensure that the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (Rapid) project is carried out in a balanced manner without adversely affecting the environment.

“We support any economic development that benefits the nation,” party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.

“Any development is bound to have some environmental issue but there must be mitigation measures in place (to safeguard the environment),” he said after chairing the party’s presidential council meeting here yesterday.

He also said a task force had been set up to handle the relocation of over 3,000 Chinese graves that would be affected by the project.

“It was set up two weeks ago when the matter was raised at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting,” said Dr Chua, who is also a member of the NEC.

“The task force will look into the sensitivities involved,” he said, adding that some 11,000 Muslim graves had already been relocated.

On the Chinese school affected by the project, Dr Chua said it would not be relocated if there was no alternative land and money offered.

“Our stand is clear – no land, no money, then no relocation. So, whoever who wants to use the school land must find an alternative land and money,” he said. “Otherwise, the Chinese school stays put.”

On a rally in Segamat, Johor, last Sunday by Chinese education group Dong Zong demanding for an independent Chinese school, Dr Chua said there were already two independent schools near Segamat.