TELAGA AIR: The Penang state government must wait for the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system before three new reclamation projects can start.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Datuk Seri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said his ministry was in the review to introduce the new EIA system because the existing system was no longer appropriate to apply for land reclamation process.
“I am doing a new EIA system and the matter has been relayed to 20 ministries across the country. At the moment, I am waiting for feedback from each ministry and after that, the application will be presented to the cabinet,” he told reporters during the luncheon with community leaders and members of Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Telaga Air, yesterday.
He said if the cabinet approved the system, then it would be proclaimed and announced to all parties that the system would be introduced as the new EIA system.
“So far, several reclamation projects have the EIA and the things I need to work on now is the construction of three islands, which if approved, will change the structure and geography of Penang.
“After I present the new EIA system to the Cabinet, and if it is considered appropriate, then the three islands reclamation projects can be implemented,” he said.
