Kunak, Nov 21 -- The coal-fired power plant to be built at Kampung Sinakut, Felda Sahabat 16 will not pollute the environment. Project Director of Lahad Datu Energy, Ahmad Faraid Mohamad Yahya said this in a briefing and dialog session with the local community leaders at Dewan Sri Kunak, organized by Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB) and Kunak District Office.
He said, the proposed coal-fired power will be using the highest standard, on par with that used by coal-fired power plants in developed countries. The plant will be able to produce 300 MW and will help solve shortage of electricity in the east coast of Sabah.
Currently almost 40% of East coast power requirement is imported from West Coast Grid System with daily average of 100MW. The daily West-East power transfer is forecasted to deteriorate further to 70% by 2010. Such huge power imbalance will render the power supply extremely unreliable and unsecure. In the event of interruption of East-West link, a not unlikely possible considering its long 270km line, it will be exposed to risk of total blackout due to insufficient generation capacity within the East Coast Grid. Above: Datuk Nilwan Kabang
Right : Ahmad Faraid Mohd Yahya
On concerns over the emission and discharges from the operation of a coal-fired plant, Ahmad said that coal-fired plants in Kapar, Manjung and Tanjung Bin in Peninsular Malaysia had not indicated any adverse effect to date. On the contrary, migratory birds had actually made frequent stop over at the ash pond near Kapar indicating sources of foods are bountiful. In addition, it was also noticed that the mangroves had actually grew rapidly near the Manjung site which incidentally still have a prawn breeding farm nearby.
Periodic sampling of emissions or discharge levels reporting purpose to the Department of Environment Malaysia had also shown that values are well below the limit set by the international bodies such as the World Bank. A clean coal power plant can actually co-exist with nature.
SESB had also assured that detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be diligently and responsibly carried out for the project and all mitigation measures will be sufficiently met and adhered to.
Meanwhile, in his speech, the local state assemblyman, Datuk Nilwan Kabang said that the project shows the devotion of the government to provide amenities to the people.
“With the availability of reliable electricity, socio-economic activities and children’s education will continue to progress”, said Datuk Nilwan. “So will their quality of life.”
Panel Members of the Dialog
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