About 1,500 residents from 11 villages in the Tungku state constituency today gathered in a show of support for the proposed building of a coal-powered power plant here.

NONEThe villagers who are from Kampung Tambisan, Sungai Nipah, Sungai Merah, Simuning, Sinakut, Kampung Tanjung Labian, Lok Buani, Tanjung Batu, Sungai Bilis, Tanagian and Tagupi gathered at Dewan Tun Mustapha for two hours from 8am.

At the gathering, the People's Assembly Action Committee (Jawatankuasa Bertindak Perhimpunan Rakyat) chairperson Nagaraju Applasami handed over a memorandum to Tungku assemblyman Suhaili Said to be forwarded to Chief Minister Musa Aman.

Among others, the memorandum expresses full support for the prime minister's proposal for a coal-fired power plant be built in Sinakut, Tungku to meet the local demand for power supply, while the project is also in line with the state government's aim of developing downstream industries in the Palm Oil Industry Cluster area in Lahad Datu.

It also urges full adherence to environmental protection standards in
implementing the project, besides assurance of long-term and consistent social responsibility undertakings for the residents.

Recently, the Department of Environment rejected the detailed environmental impact assessment (DEIA) report for the proposed power plant and this was welcomed by various quarters, especially non-governmental organisations.

- Bernama