Environmental Disaster Could Have Been Avoided
The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) is
saddened by the recent mudflow that caused massive damage to the houses
of Taman Cuepacs last week. Not only the wildlife and the environment have
to suffer, but innocent people too had to endure the indiscriminate destruction
of nature. The question is, could the damages have been avoided?
The Society felt greatly distressed
last year when the State Government decided to give the green light to
development on one of Kuala Lumpur’s last remaining forest reserves. Despitefunctioning
as the areas green lung, wildlife sanctuary and water catchment, part of
Bukit Sg. Seputeh was approved for development in the face of contrary
advice, public outcry and protest. Instead MNS and many other NGOs, including
resident societies received assurances that proper EIA procedures would
be followed if development were to take place. Mitigation measures, buffer
zones, slope management and silt traps are among other necessary steps
needed, especially in developing highly elevated terrain.
The State announced on December 17 last
year that a committee had been set up to monitor the development at Bukit
Sg. Seputeh. Clearly this committee has failed in discharging their responsibilities
and as a result serious environmental, social and economical damages has
resulted. Kemas Anggun should be made to bear all costs of the mitigation
measures, as they have not done so earlier, and any compensation for damages
that resulted. Heavy rain is not an excuse, as it should have been accounted
for in the design of the mitigation measures. We can only wonder what other
mitigation measures have not been adhered to in this project.
The decision to engage environmental
consultants for all the five developers is most welcome, but even this
should have been a part of the requirements earlier. MNS hopes that the
so-called monitoring committee will do their job in monitoring the overall
development. Proper monitoring and supervision is very much needed. Sad
to say, it is barely practised and when it is, it is only after some serious
tragedy.
This incident again stresses the vital
role of the EIA to protect both the interests of the people as well as
the environment. As such, all parties must take mitigating measures and
monitoring processes outlined in the EIA seriously especially by the developers
and local authorities.
Only then can the public be assured
that future projects such as the Kuala Kubu Baru dam will receive the proper
attention to prevent similar regrettable damages to the environment or
even worse, possible loss of human life. Bukit Sg. Seputeh is one of the
last remaining green lung and water catchment near Kuala Lumpur. We therefore
call on the authorities to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of
EIA requirements and to reconsider the need for other projects on Bukit
Sg. Seputeh.
Dato’ Salleh Mohd. Noor
Kuala Lumpur, 15 March 1999
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Created on 26th April 1999.