Batu Arang residents rose up to rally against the proposed building of waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Batu Arang, Rawang.
According to a report by The Star, more than 500,000 residents living within a 5km radius are expected to be affected if a proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) plant in Batu Arang, Rawang, is built, quoting Jaringan Rawang Tolak Insinerator (JRTI), a residents’ group formed to protest against the project.
The protest was held outside Bangunan Dewan Negeri Selangor, Shah Alam. “Besides those residing in Batu Arang, Bandar Tasik Puteri, Kota Puteri and Bandar Seri Coalfieds, it will also affect those in Kuang and Bandar Country homes,” said JRTI spokesperson Abdul Hanan Abd Mokti.
JRTI previously stated that Batu Arang was situated on a former coal mine, connected by a network of tunnels, while the incinerator plant would be located on a former open-cast coal mine. Their locations could affect the geological stability of the area.
If allowed to proceed, Abdul Hanan said the plant was expected to process waste from six local authorities in Selangor.
He said JRTI learnt that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed RM4.5bil project, also known as the Sultan Idris Shah Green Energy Park, has been rejected by the Environment Department.
