Statement done by Datuk Pang Yuk Ming, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, has left more questions than answers pertaining the controversial logging at the geothermal power plant site in Andrassy Forest Reserve.
The latest figure of site clearing area size according to Pang, is totally inconsistent with the previous statements made by Tawau Green Energy (TGE, the company to develop the power plant) an Sabah Forestry Department (SFD).
Let us check the related public access documents:
- Project Design Document of Clean Development Mechanism for the Tawau geothermal power project, dated 09/02/2012, has stated down that, during the stakeholder meeting conducted on 20th July 2011, the project director Mr Andrew Amalados have had said, “area leased to this project is only 2 to 3 acres for the power house itself. A further 30 acres is being leased to cover the geothermal wells and associated piping”, in his answer to Mr Sylvester Taing.
- Press statement by Sabah Forestry Director in September 2013, has mentioned the estimated area for site clearance, not only once but twice: “The estimated area for clearance will be about 150 hectares”, and “the only significant source is the Parks development from some 150 hectares (approx.) of expected clearing, if necessary at all”.
But now, Pang said “there were a total of 400 hectares of land of which 370 hectares belonged to Sabah Parks and 30 hectares to SFD, with about 56,000 cubic meters of logs”! How can such a mysterious increasing size of site clearance reported? From 30 acres in 2011, increased to 150 hectares in 2013, and after one year it has become 400 hectares? Did it due to poor project management, or SFD has failed to monitor the logging activities? Do we allow the site clearance area size increase again in future? What is the actual, ultimate answer for the logging area involved? More seriously, is the public misled by TGE and SFD?
DAP Sabah always support renewable energy development in the state, and we would feel proud with the first geothermal power plant built in Tawau, but the ongoing project must pass the transparency test.
The most puzzling part is, why can’t Datuk Sam Mannam, with his capacity of SFD Director, come forward to the public and clarify the issues? Who is the one to approve the increasing size of site clearance which involves massive logging? Who is the one to responsible to collect timber royalties? Definitely, the person is not Pang, but Sam.
A leader should not relied on the answer spoon fed by some one who might have conflict of interest to cover up his faults. Seeing is believing. The related authorities should not conduct site visit with minister only. They should respond positively to the call of joint site visit, together with SFD, Sabah Parks, NGOs, local community leaders and elected representatives.
I don’t understand why does the SFD refuse our demand to have a joint site visit. I have called for this again and again but all felled to deaf ears. Once again, I urge the related authorities to open the gate and having joint site visit together. Failing which, the people would suspect something fishy behind.