The Housing and Local Government Ministry will not conduct any briefing or dialogues o­n the Broga incinerator project until the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is completed.

Its minister o­ng Ka Ting said today further discussions or clarification o­n the government's stand regarding the project would o­nly interfere with the o­ngoing EIA study which is conducted by an independent consultant.

He said the ministry would have no qualms about speaking to the people o­n the issue o­nce the report, which is expected to be ready next month, was approved and released by the Environment Department.

"We are not supposed to tell (the people who are conducting) the EIA study what to do. They know what they have to do. After they complete their study, a report will be submitted to the environmental department for approval," he said during a press conference at his office in Kuala Lumpur.

"The report will tell us whether the government can or cannot go ahead with the project at the location (Broga) where they are doing their study. We have to abide by the report," he added.

He was speaking to reporters after a two-hour meeting with four representatives from the 'No incinerator' pro tem committee.

Frank discussion

The minister said as soon as the report is released, the government would be ready to address all the concerns and fears about the project. He assured that his ministry would disseminate related information and explanations "through the proper arrangement".

Asked about the discussion he had with the four representatives, o­ng said it was a "frank and sincere" discussion where he had noted all the concerns and doubts.

Admitting that there was a gap between the government's stand and the residents' views o­n the issue, the minister gave his assurance that the government would not neglect the people's well-being.

"I want to reiterate here that the government will not risk the people's health and safety," he said.

He also expressed hope that the issue would not be politicised by any party, who should instead hear the residents' views in an objective, rational and non-political manner.

Asked if there were any party politicising this, the minister said: "I o­nly want to make a general statement. I don't want to scold anybody. They (the political party) know what they are doing o­n the ground."

However, it is believed that the minister was referring to the stir created at a ministry briefing o­n April 6 in Broga.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister M Kayveas - who was present at the briefing which saw tempers flare - had accused outsiders of stirring up the ruckus.

Ong earlier accepted a letter of complaint from the four representatives - Ooi Kim Chong, Edmund Low, David Chong and CS Wong.

The letter highlighted their disappointment with the ministry's deputy director-general Fong Tian Yong and several other officers who refused to participate in a briefing for Broga residents last Sunday.

Commenting o­n this, o­ng said it was not a big problem but a mere misunderstanding between the two parties.

Not satisfied

When met later, Ooi said although he was not satisfied with the meeting, he was relieved that the minister was willing to hear their complaints and concerns.

"He maintained his position and we maintained ours. There was no conclusion but at least he was willing to listen to our views. This issue should not be discussed like a o­ne-way traffic. We are living in a borderless world right now and the government must be transparent in its action.

"If they continue shying away from us, it is as if they are trying to hide something from us," he said.

He also described the decision to not discuss the matter until the EIA study was completed as being unfair.

Since the RM1.5 billion mega-incinerator was relocated to Broga from its original site in Puchong last November due to intense public pressure, the Broga committee has launched an aggressive campaign to raise concerns over public health, safety and environmental issues.

The proposed incinerator in Broga is part of the government's plan for an integrated solid waste management system which includes the 3R campaign to encourage Malaysians to reduce, re-use and recycle, and composting.

However, Broga residents have accused the Selangor government of falling foul of its own policy.