• Home
  • Posts RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • Edit
Blue Orange Green Pink Purple
Jul 30

simply because I care...

Stop Kaiduan Dam

Target:
Chief Minister of Sabah
Sponsored by: 
Action Committee Against Kaiduan Dam
Dear Friends, Campaigners,

Warm greetings from Sabah, Malaysia. 

I am seeking your support on behalf of the Action Committee Against Kaiduan Dam which was set up by communities potentially affected directly by the Kaiduan dam.  A number of NGOs are also helping us in our campaign and I hope you/your organisation could support by writing a letter to the Sabah government to reconsider the building of this dam.

In short, the dam will be built in an one of Sabah's most beautiful area, preserved because there was no road access to our villages until recently and because of our ways of life that maintain a healthy respect for the environment.  The 150 metres proposed dam will mean about 350 square kilometers of our traditional lands will be taken as a water catchment reserve, including the flooded area of 12 square kilometres where 9 villages are currently located.  There are confusing information from the government that the dam project has not been approved yet even though the contractor already started to enter the affected villages to conduct an EIA.  Interviews with the community were far from satisfactory. We will keep you updated on activities that the Action Committee has done so far.  

The next few weeks are crucial as the government considers what to do next after complaints from the communities that the Environmental Impact Assessment has not followed procedures prescribed by the State.  This period will also coincide with heightened campaigns locally against the dam. 

We therefore hope that you/your organisation will join other groups/individuals all over the world to take a few minutes to sign-on to this petition.

We also respectfully ask your continued support to press for the cancellation of the Kaiduan dam and instead request the government to take several other measures including improving the management of its water supply, doing a public campaign to save water and exploring other cheaper and safer options for water supply.

Thank you for your time and support.


Yours sincerely,


Nousi Giun
Chairperson,
Action Committee Against Kaiduan Dam

Click here and sign the petition for the benefits of the future generations.
Read More 0 what say you(s) | Posted by Steve edit post
Jul 29

Points of concern

Comments on Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) for
the 300MW Coal-Fired Power Plant in Sinakut, Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Key points for public comments:

1. One of the objectives for the DEIA is to improve on the environmental design of the project. However, the public or technical people are unable to assess the environmental design as it is not outlined/described and it is therefore difficult to know the efficiency of the plant. For instance, the DEIA does not specify the type of plant parts used. To assess the plant, we need to know types of parts used for the coal plant as the type used will determine efficiency of the plant in the waste generated.

2. The potential mitigation measures mentioned in the DEIA are shallow and general. One of the objectives of the DEIA is to facilitate informed decision making. However, the DEIA report does not allow for this as there is a lack of basic design details, poor data on the marine environment, and assumptions of sufficiency based on no data are unacceptable at this level of review and assessment.

3. Compensatory mitigation for impact on marine environment, loss of income, health impact, greenhouse gases and others are completely overlooked.

4. Earthquake risk: It is inaccurate to say that the site is safe from earthquake tremors. The whole Dent peninsula is within the 40-100 kilometre range of earthquake tremors generated onshore and offshore. In April 2008, an earthquake at the Celebes Sea caused tremors in the Tungku area, near the proposed site. This resulted in cracks on several buildings including SMK Tungku and Hospital Tungku. A New Sunday Times article on 20th May 2007 quoted Sabah Mineral and Geoscience Department director Alexander Yan as saying Sabah has experienced 78 quakes in the last century.

5. Sampling done for the DEIA do not cover a wide enough range of sites to give a full understanding of the site and its surroundings. In short, sampling site chosen are not good enough to represent the area. In assessing the marine area, only two days were taken for sampling and why certain sites were chosen were not indicated. A habitat map showing sand, mud/silt, seagrass, rocks, corals and areas of high benthic diversity should have been done. Comparisons are made with far away locations and coral ecosystems instead of similar habitats. This is misleading.

6. There is no mention that Darvel Bay is home to resident and migratory marine animals like turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs and others.

7. Fish species used in the report as indicators are not representative of species found at the site. The species list should have been modified to cover locally common, unique or commercially important species.

8. There will be a large impact on larvae fish according to the study, but that there will be no impact on adult fish. It is misleading for the DEIA to state that there is no impact on adult fish as larvae wont have a chance to grow. Marine zones like seagrass, mudflats and mangroves are spawning areas for fish and crustaceans. Impact on fish larvae will effect fish populations over a wider area.

9. In its list of mammal species, the report stated two mammals that are not present in Sabah. The two are wild pig (Sus scrofa) and Dusky langur (Semnopithecus obscurus). In its list of bird species, the White rumped shama is not present in Sabah.

10. There is a lack of assessment and interpretation of results on phytoplankton. The report calculates Boyd’s Biodiversity index for phytoplankton and shows it to have a value approaching that of pristine waters, but this is not indicated.

11. The socio-economic study is doubtful. It states that the community in Kampung Sinakut are squatters, which cannot be the case for a traditional village with a village headman. The DEIA also states that “Orang Sungai” are of Indonesian descent. This clearly shows ignorance on the part of those doing the study.

12. A baseline study shows that acid rain is already present at the site with a pH of 4.66. There is a need to further study why acid rain is happening in the area. It is also wrong to compare agriculture and forested Dent peninsula with Petaling Jaya which is industrialised and urbanized.

13. Climate change as a major impact is not mentioned. The scope of the DEIA should include measures to minimise/mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from the proposed project.

14. Despite repeated newspaper articles that mention clean coal technology will be used, there is no mention of it in the DEIA. This is a cause of grave concern. Also there is no such thing as “clean coal technology” today hence it is extremely misleading to use this term.

Taken from: Green SURF
Read More 0 what say you(s) | Posted by Steve edit post
Jul 29

Expressing my concern

29th July 2010

To:
The Department of Environment, Malaysia.

Comments on the Detailed Environmental Impact Assessment for the 300 MW coal-fired power plant in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Having read the DEIA report that was put up at some public places, I have a number of concerns on the overall project. There are glaring technical issues:-
• the existing physical environment has been wrongly represented by the consultants, thereby misleading the public;
• the full adverse impacts from the plant has not been discussed analytically,
• identification of species that do not exist in Sabah have been listed, and
• that potential mitigation measures are shallow and too general.

This does not allow me to assess the real situation. In short, the whole study is faulty and should be dismissed.

I would like to single out some points which I feel are important to Sabah’s tourism industry and our potential as a seafood basket for the nation and region. The following are my comments:

1. There is no mention that Darvel Bay is home to resident and migratory marine
animals like turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, dugongs and others.

2. Fish species used in the report as indicators are not representative of species found at the site. The species list should have been modified to cover locally common, unique or commercially important species.

3. There will be a large impact on larvae fish according to the study, but that there will be no impact on adult fish. It is misleading for the DEIA to state that there is no impact on adult fish as larvae wont have a chance to grow. Marine zones like seagrass, mudflats and mangroves are spawning areas for fish and crustaceans. Impact on fish larvae will effect fish populations over a wider area.


I am unimpressed with the way this study has been carried out, and I will continue to closely monitor the next step that the government takes on this plant.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Name: STEVE GEORGE
IC number: 8XXXXX-4X-5XXX
Read More 0 what say you(s) | Posted by Steve edit post
Jul 20

Today's random thought...

I'm already in my second week of the new semester and life has been great so far. Thank God for that. I go to lecture as usual. Attend meetings. Meet up with friends. Go for outings. Well, basically I'm living a life as a normal university student. Of course, there are times I get bored with the life in campus but come to think about it, life in UKM is not that bad at all. As a matter of fact, I'm enjoying myself here.

I'm now in my final year of my undergraduate studies and most of my friends are already working and some even currently taking the masters program. Thanks to that two years of foundation program, otherwise I would already graduated by now. *Grin*
Nevertheless, I'm glad that I still have 2 more semesters to go as student. Only God knows when I will be able to become a student again after I started working later.

As for the time being, I'll live my life to the fullest as a student here. I'll try to enjoy my life here in UKM despite the fact that I will be abundantly filled with lots of stress. Yep. Taking about the life of a final year student.

Okay people. Will keep you updated.
Read More 0 what say you(s) | Posted by Steve edit post
Jul 11

The Finale

In just few hours, the whole world will spectate the crowning of the 2010 FIFA World Cup champion. The Spaniards or the Dutch? 

SPAIN

NETHERLANDS
Read More 0 what say you(s) | Posted by Steve edit post
Jul 08

Farewell...



Officially, I will only be leaving the school where I'm at now tomorrow. The date 9th July will commemorate my final day of practicum in this school. I must say that I've learned so many things both from the teachers and the students as well. I enjoyed teaching my students (form 1E and 2B) even though there were times they got on my nerves! That's normal isn't? 

Gone are the days that I have to prepare proper lesson plans together with the teaching aids (well, at least for a while). Most importantly, I will not be having any observations *grin*. Hence, my life as a teacher will end (temporarily) and life as a student will commence very soon *sigh*. Instead of going to class to teach, I will be going to class to learn. 

Some of the cohorts might feel sad to leave their respective school but as for me, I don't feel anything. I mean, seriously. I guess I didn't have a strong sense of belonging in this school and I set my very own mind to complete the prerequisite requirements of my teaching practice. I'm not sure whether I'll be missing this school. Maybe. I don't know. 

One thing for sure...I'll be leaving this school tomorrow. Good bye SMK Jugra. Hello UKM. 

p/s: Gosh. Gotta prepare my so-called farewell speech...
Read More 1 Comment | Posted by Steve edit post
Newer Posts Older Posts Home

Expression of Thoughts

  • Welcome!
      Strings of words: Rants and ramblings by yours truly.
  • About Me

    My photo
    Steve
    Often misconstrued. Mercurial. Plucky. Erratic. Hopeless romantic?
    View my complete profile

    Watcha say...

    I'm part of the community

    ..

    Their expressions...

    • In The Name of Life
      [J74671.Book] PDF Download The Department of Sensitive Crimes: A Detective Varg Novel - [J73749.Book] PDF Download The Department of Sensitive Crimes: A Detective Varg Novel [image: Ebook The Department of Sensitive Crimes: A Detective Varg...
      6 years ago
    • I Heart This Life
      Radikal Bebas Pemicu Penyakit Kronis - *Radikal Bebas Pemicu Penyakit Kronis* Banyak produk yang disebut-sebut dapat membantu memerangi radikal bebas, mulai dari produk makanan hingga kosmetik. ...
      7 years ago
    • Tea With Tina
      Until We Meet Again - Having more than your share of siblings doesn't dull the pain of losing one of them. We said goodbye to another brother a few days ago. One day he was fine...
      7 years ago
    • Eat.Pray.Love
      I never knew Cyberjaya could be this cool! (Episode 1) - I never knew Cyberjaya could be this cool! To me, Cyberjaya was "the town near/before Putrajaya" -- and the only reason I'd be at Putrajaya was to settle...
      7 years ago
    • Nurul ngerepak
      It's Okay, You Go - *It's Okay, You Go....* Guess that the most famous line from Grey's Anatomy hehehe Anyhoo, had my D&C or ERPOC yesterday. Basically means my womb has been...
      9 years ago
    • Bits and Pieces ::brench_o::
      New Year List - So it is time of the year again for resolution. Here is my ultimate list for this year: 1. Get more sleep. 2. Drink more water. 3. Get more exercise. 4....
      10 years ago
    • Making my HeaRt audiBle.. Through mistake I learnt greatly, through YoU I walked Steadily
      Dream House - *I deposited RM1,000 for my dream house which will be completed in 2016. By then, I would be financially ready, I hope. I am so excited. It has always been...
      10 years ago
    • Alex says...
      Things I've learnt in 2013 - Despite having an assignment to be done, I have decided against my better judgement to write a blog post. I will regret having wasting my time for this, bu...
      11 years ago
    • onesensei Photography: An Automotive and Lifestyle Photography Page
      Latest Wedding Promotion 2013 - Kota Kinabalu - Beaufort, Sabah Wedding Package *OUTDOOR PRE/POST WEDDING PACKAGES* *1. EMERALD – RM599* • Duration: 2 hours (Maximum 2 main locations) •...
      12 years ago
    • Compartir El Amor
      Target !! - As we all know next week is the week for interview. Nervous? yup..VERY!! to overcome that, i switch it into POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT.... ( ye ker??) I mean...
      13 years ago
    • Mr. Whimsical
      If I Die Young - Borrowing Band Perry's hit song title for this entry. Few days before, the entire world was losing a very young passionate and potential legend-in-made, Ma...
      13 years ago
    • HomeGrown Thinker
      prayer - Lord, give me peace as I open my books and notes. Grant me a clarity of mind as I prepare. Give me insight and wisdom to understand those things that are...
      14 years ago
    • the place to crap..
      -
    • Sketch of Life
      -
    • gnet's daily scribbles
      -
    • Alhamdulillah In The Morning, Astagfirullah In Your Sleep
      -
    • The colours of life
      -
    • KK tu KL.
      -
    • MohdShafiqItuAku
      -
    • inibelognurul
      -
    • Diary of a Storyteller
      -

    Blog Archive

    • ► 2011 (33)
      • ► December (5)
      • ► November (3)
      • ► June (2)
      • ► May (2)
      • ► April (6)
      • ► March (6)
      • ► February (3)
      • ► January (6)
    • ▼ 2010 (58)
      • ► December (2)
      • ► November (2)
      • ► October (2)
      • ► September (8)
      • ► August (7)
      • ▼ July (6)
        • simply because I care...
        • Points of concern
        • Expressing my concern
        • Today's random thought...
        • The Finale
        • Farewell...
      • ► June (5)
      • ► May (6)
      • ► April (5)
      • ► March (6)
      • ► February (3)
      • ► January (6)
    • ► 2009 (59)
      • ► December (2)
      • ► November (2)
      • ► October (11)
      • ► September (7)
      • ► August (9)
      • ► July (9)
      • ► June (3)
      • ► May (3)
      • ► April (3)
      • ► March (3)
      • ► February (3)
      • ► January (4)
    • ► 2008 (64)
      • ► December (6)
      • ► November (6)
      • ► October (2)
      • ► September (6)
      • ► August (10)
      • ► July (11)
      • ► June (6)
      • ► May (6)
      • ► April (9)
      • ► March (2)

    Bloggers

    • Joji
    • Ambun
    • Dominic G
    • One
    • Nad
    • Shafiq
    • Wawa
    • Menn
    • Sarah
    • Sze Nin
    • Hakim
    • Taufik
    • Walter
    • Nurul
    • Connie
    • Brenda
    • Hailey
    • Gnet

    Followers

    Networked blogs

    Follow this blog

    Expression of Thoughts

    Ramblings by yours truly

  • Search






    • Home
    • Posts RSS
    • Comments RSS
    • Edit

    © Copyright Expression of Thoughts. All rights reserved.
    Blogger Templates | Free Wordpress Templates. presents HD TV Watch Futurama Online. Featured on Singapore Wedding Favors.
    brought to you by Smashing Magazine

    Back to Top