Broga Again

BN MP raises concern over incinerator
Beh Lih YiApr 20, 06 6:58pm

A government backbencher today raised concerns over the controversial RM1.5 billion mega incinerator project proposed in Broga amid strong opposition from the residents.
“My house is just about 2km away from the incinerator site. I am seeking an explanation on the impact of this project,” said Markiman Kobiran (BN-Hulu Langat) during the ministerial winding-up on the Ninth Malaysian Plan debates in the Dewan Rakyat.
He also asked why an information committee set-up by the government in relation to the project was not doing its job.
“The committee is supposed to disseminate information on the project, but I see non-governmental organisations are more active in explaining the negative impacts,” he added.
He also asked about the implication of a court injunction over the Broga incinerator and whether the ministry will be using an existing road to transport solid waste to the plant.
Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting however refrained from commenting on the MP’s concerns, saying that answers would be given at a meeting to be held on April 28.
The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to determine, among others, the government’s policy in handling solid waste and landfills nationwide.
On Feb 14 last year, Broga residents won a temporary reprieve when the court granted an interim stay order on all project work pending the disposal of a main suit filed by the residents.
Take it to Putrajaya
The multi-billion ringgit project was earlier relocated to Broga from the heavily populated southern suburb of Puchong after strong protest from the residents there.
Interjecting during the winding-up, Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) reiterated her opposition to the project since it is located at a water catchment area and could prove to be an environmental hazard.
Replying, Ong said: “When the project was in Kg Bohol (Puchong), YB Seputeh (Kok) went there everyday to collect signatures and said ‘no’ to incinerator.”
“I still remember then, someone was saying the project should be relocated to Semenyih but when the relocation was done, there is still objection, so where shall we go?” asked the minister.
A smiling Kok responded: “Putrajaya, Putrajaya”.
To this, Ong said: “It would be unfair to take the rubbish from other places to Putrajaya, I shouldn’t take the rubbish from Seputeh to Putrajaya right? The point I want to make is it is a big problem to handle solid waste.”