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I WELCOME the remarks by Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad to promote transparency.
At the same time, I call upon the ministry to make public the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report on the land-clearing activity at Kg Raja, Cameron Highlands and take all necessary measures to prevent a repeat of the Batang Kali landslide tragedy.
Yesterday, Nik Nazmi pledged to promote transparency and openness within his ministry, including EIA reports, so citizens can obtain more information to participate in policymaking and provide feedback to the government.
Nik Nazmi’s pledge to promote transparency and openness in the ministry is welcomed, for improving information transparency can strengthen the government’s accountability system, reduce the likelihood of malfeasance, push forward professional policy-making processes based on data and information, and ultimately encourage citizens to participate in democratic processes.
To demonstrate a determination to promote transparency, I call upon the ministry to make public the EIA report or any relevant technical report on the landslide crisis that looms over Kg Raja, Cameron Highlands.
This will allow the public and Kg Raja residents to read the reports in order to understand and ascertain whether the area is still safe.
Recently, four instances of mud floods, two of which were severe floods, happened at Kg Raja due to a land clearing activity on a hilltop near the Kg Raja village. Apart from financial losses, the villagers are increasingly worried about the likelihood of landslides because erosion at the hillslope is getting worse day by day.
They are worried that any heavy downpour would lead to a severe landslide similar to the Batang Kali tragedy.
It is understood that the Mineral and Geoscience Department, which is an agency under Nik Nazmi’s ministry, visited and investigated the land-clearing area a few months ago.
However, no one has sighted any reports, and thus residents can only wait until the findings are released.
The Kg Raja residents have sleepless nights due to the mud floods and the landslide crisis. Therefore, the government and the ministry should instruct the department to immediately make public the EIA and other relevant technical reports.
At the same time, the government should instruct other relevant agencies to intervene immediately and commence repair works as well as to take strict actions against the perpetrator.
Many residents have confirmed that the Kg Raja village never experienced any mud floods until the recent month, hence proving that the land clearing activity is the sole factor that led to the crisis.
Therefore, I also call upon the government to invoke laws, including the Land Conservation Act 1960 and the Environmental Quality Act 1974, to revoke the land clearing licence or permit, repossess the land and take legal action against the irresponsible permit holder.
This will demonstrate the government’s resolve in protecting the safety and basic rights of the Kg Raja residents as well as all citizens. – The Vibes, January 1, 2023
Ho Chi Yang is Tanah Rata assemblyman
