No environmental impact report yet, says D-G
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Environment (DOE) has yet to receive the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on the resumption of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
“We have yet to receive the (new) EIA report for the new routes. However, there is no timeline set for the presentation of the report.
“When the government is ready with the report, they can submit it to us,” said directorgeneral Datuk Dr Ahmad Kamarulnajuib Che Ibrahim at the Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award 2019/2020 launching ceremony here yesterday.
The new ECRL route covers Kota Baru-Mentakab-Jelebu-Kuala Kelawang-Bangi/Kajang-Putrajaya and Port Klang.
However, he said the department had received the EIA report for the old ERCL routes.
On the EIA report on the proposed Pan Island Link 1 (PIL 1) in Penang, which was recently approved by DOE, he said the department would take action if it found any violations of the 56 conditions set by the Penang government.
“The Penang government has pledged to abide by the conditions. We have approved the report and they should fulfil the commitment,” he said.
Kamarulnajuib said anyone who wanted access to the list of conditions could go to the state government’s office.
Deputy Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis, who was present, declined to comment on the matter.
Several non-governmental organisations in Penang recently voiced their concern , claiming it could have a huge impact on the environment.
The 19.5km PIL 1 highway alignment will consist of 7.6km of viaduct sections, four tunnel sections totalling 10.1km in length, and embankment sections measuring 1.8km.
The project will stretch from Gurney Drive to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway near the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone area.
Meanwhile, Isnaraissah said the award will continue to play a pivotal role in encouraging local businesses to create and adopt innovative solutions.
The award is now open for registration until Aug 30. It is aimed at recognising participating companies that implement the best environmental measures in their daily operations.