KOTA KINABALU – Sabah environmental groups today lauded the state government’s decision not to reclaim land for the Tg Aru Eco Development (TAED) project, but reminded it of the need for transparency.
Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa) welcomed Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin’s announcement yesterday, adding that transparency for mega projects is paramount.
“The beaches remaining open to the public is good news but we need to see tangible action,” said Sepa acting president Julia Hwong.
Sepa said that the rule of law in Sabah is consistently disregarded, with even unsustainable projects fast-tracked into development.
“Floods and droughts are the result of the breakdown of Sabah’s environmental safeguards,” she said.
Hwong said the state government must ensure that laws, regulations and policies are adhered to.
As for the revival of the Kaiduan Dam, Hwong said Sepa stands behind the Task Force against Kaiduan Dam's (Takad) stand not to have the dam built.
“The Babagon dam was supposed to be sufficient for at least 50 years, as per promises made pre-1997, and a mere 23 years later, it is being deemed insufficient.
“The people will continue to lose faith in the government until corruption is curbed.”
Takad was set up by the Ulu Papar community in 2012 to campaign against the dam project, which it says threatens their ancestral lands and culture.
Meanwhile, civil society group Save Open Space Kota Kinabalu (SOS KK) said it is pleased that the government has clarified some details in the TAED project.
SOS KK coordinator S.M. Muthu also welcomed Bung Moktar's announcement.
“We are not against development, only against destructive ones. I would like to thank the deputy chief minister for taking into account the people’s interest.
“We hope to meet him to discuss some finer points, such as reserving the beachfront with Jalan Selangor as the boundary, conserving the historic rugby field and ensuring contractors follow the laws.
“Hopefully, the government will consider adding public amenities, such as camping grounds, jogging tracks, resting places for the elderly and family recreational areas.
“The government should also consider planting trees, including commercial hardwood species that can be educational for the public.
“On the proposed dam, I urge the government to meet local groups and experts to come up with the best solution on the Kota Kinabalu and the west coast's water needs.” – The Vibes, January 6, 2021
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