Rti Protesters Call Out Selangor Mb At May Day Rally

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Protesters from the Rawang Tolak Incinerator Network (RTI) have gathered at a May Day rally today to call out Selangor MB Amirudin Shari for his silence over the proposed incinerator in Batu Arang, Selangor.
ADSOne participant was even spotted carrying a caricature of Amirudin that read, "The people handed over their objections, Amir was silent.
"Don't let the incinerator be built quietly (while) the people's voices are kept inside again."
Other demonstrators carried placards calling on the state leader to listen to those against the proposed incinerator.
Major concerns
The waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator was first proposed in 2003 by then-prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
However, Batu Arang residents have opposed the incinerator over health, safety and environmental concerns.
Another major reason for residents’ pushback is Batu Arang's geographic structure, as the town is located on former open-cast coal mines, which the group said makes the land unstable and poses a risk of collapse.
RTI has said that there are coal seams about 50km long under Batu Arang, and a WTE plant opens the possibility of fires or an explosion.
Last month, RTI slammed the Selangor state government for evading queries during a public inquiry on the Selangor Draft Structure Plan 2035.
RTI spokesperson Abdul Hanan Abd Mokti said the queries were not "new" as the group has repeatedly sought clarification on the proposed incinerator project, but to no avail.
The media was also barred from attending the hearing, which housing and culture exco Burhan Ahmad Shah, who chaired the meeting, said this was due to concerns of "manipulation". - Mkini

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