Malaysia: Land acquisition for Pengerang petrochemical projects

33 Parties Affected By Rapid Project In Pengerang Will Receive Compensation Soon
Bernama 14 Sep 12;

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 14 (Bernama) - Some 33 out of 191 parties affected by land acquisition for the Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project and Pengerang Deep Sea Petroleum Terminal project will receive their compensation payment vouchers soon.

Johor Land and Mines Office deputy director Azmi Rohani said vouchers for the first session of land acquisition are expected to be ready next week in line with the state government promise to settle payment within 14 days.

"We had issued 191 award and compensation notices (Form H) to the affected parties and 74 forms were returned indicating their willingness to accept compensation.

"Of the number, we issued 33 payment vouchers with 16 already taken and the balance will be settled next week," he told reporters at a special briefing on the progress of Pengerang oil and gas project here.

The briefing was attended by the director of Johor State Economic Planning Unit, Elias Hasran and chief executive officer of Johor Petroleum Development Corporation Berhad (JPDC), Mohd Yazid Jaafar.

The state government also completed hearing for first session land acquisition on September 3 which ended today involving 1,537.6 hectares of land.

Azmi said the value of compensation given was based on many factors including the location of land, its uses and infrastructure on the land.

Those dissatisfied with the compensation given may appoint an independent valuer and lawyer and given six weeks to file objection.

Meanwhile, Elias denied claims that residents were given notice to vacate their homes last month saying it was a misunderstanding and twisted by certain parties.

"We received complaints that residents redeived notices to move out. Actually the information was wrong because what happened was that Petronas was conducting a social study.

"According to the plan, the relocation of phase one will start in March 2013 involving three villages - Kampung Sungai Kapal, Kampung Teluk Empang and Kampung Langkah Baik."

Elias said they will be relocated to Taman Bayu Permai in Kampung Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman (387 acres) followed by Kampung Sebong, Kampung Batu Mas and Kampung Jawa in October.

The relocation programme complete with infrastructure and payment of compensation in a fair, transparent and reasonable manner are among the six main principles in the development of Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC).

"The state government plans to develop about 8093.8 hectares land in Pengerang for PIPC development with 2549 hectares developed by Petronas under Rapid project and 544.3 hectares developed jointly by Dialog Group, Royal Vopak and State Secretary Incorporated.

"PIPC project is implemented with the six main principles for the benefit of the people and to safeguard the environment," he added.

It also stresses on change in the mindset of society to build a brighter future and improve the quality of life, environment and boost the local and national economy.

-- BERNAMA

1,545 Muslim Graves In Pengerang To Be Relocated Due To RAPID Project
The Star 11 Sep 12;

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- About 1,545 Muslim graves will be relocated to make way for the development of Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) and Pengerang Independent Deepwater Petroleum Terminal projects.

The Johor Petroleum Development Corporation Berhad (JPDC) in a statement Tuesday said, both the projects are located within the proposed Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC).

"The affected residents through discussion with the State's religious agencies have agreed to the relocation of the graves. Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Johor and Johor Religious Affairs Department have earlier conducted three briefing sessions on the relocation of the Muslim graves affected by the projects," it said.

The briefings said JPDC, were held from 16 July until 18 July to five villages, namely, Kampung Teluk Empang, Kampung Sungai Kapal, Kampung Sebong, Kampung Jawa Laut and Kampung Jawa Darat.

The affected 1,545 graves, which are spread over seven Muslim cemetery plots is expected to be relocated within four months effective from early October, said the corporation.

-- BERNAMA