Dawos: Ministry uncomfortable about illegal land clearing

by Geryl Ogilvy Ruekeith, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on October 28, 2012, Sunday

BAU: The recent land clearing activities at Mount Santubong for the proposed cable car project might negatively impact the surrounding environment and hence the tourism sector.

Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk James Dawos Mamit said yesterday his ministry was uncomfortable about the illegal land clearing as the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and project feasibility were not yet concluded when clearing work started.

Saying the EIA must be completed before any land was cleared for projects, the Mambong MP suggested that the state take stern action on the developer in the event of misconduct.

Under the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance, if the EIA is not conducted, those responsible have breached the law. They can be referred to court.

The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) must ensure the operation cease. NREB must act against the company via compound or drag them to court. The Stop Work Order must be enforced until the EIA is complete, Dawos said at a press conference after officiating at the 2012 Jong Regatta at Tasik Biru here.

Among those present were state Tourism Ministry permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Kuching Resident Abdul Rahman Sebli Senusi and Bau District Officer Simon Japut.

As an environmental scientist, I am worried about the impact on the environment, especially now that we are faced with global warming and climate change. If we continue to do this, I dont know (what will happen) The ministry find the situation worrying for the state tourism sector, he continued.

Last week, NREB controller Peter Sawal told the press the agency had completed its investigation after the matter came to public knowledge some three weeks ago. The developer had cleared the land for the cable car project some time in September.

He said the enforcement team would be on the ground from time to time to check the site.

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Dawos: Ministry uncomfortable about illegal land clearing