COMMENT | Transparency needed for environment-related projects

COMMENT | In early June, it was reported that the Pahang government had approved mining operations in the vicinity of Tasik Chini, Pekan, the second-largest natural lake in Peninsular Malaysia.

The mining project, which covers the size of approximately 60 football fields, is located around 3km from the Unesco Biosphere Reserve site.

Tasik Chini itself has also been plagued with pollution issues stemming from mining and logging in recent years.

Recently, another mining project seeking approval from the Environment Department has come to light, this time in Jerantut, Pahang. The project site, which is in the middle of the Som Forest Reserve, covers an area the size of 113 football fields.

The forest reserve is a known roaming habitat for several protected wildlife, such as the Asian Tapir, Asian Elephant, White-Handed Gibbon and the critically endangered Malayan Tiger.

These projects revolving around the mining of minerals such as iron ore, require massive excavation and clearing of land to accommodate the mining activities.

The ensuing damage to the ecosystem and pollution to the areas concerned would be devastating, the impact permanent unless...