By: Zaki Salleh
KUALA KANGSAR: Residents of Kampung Rambai Tujuh here have expressed a firm stance regarding the proposed forest plantation development project near their settlement.
This is because the project is alleged to have not obtained proper approval from the relevant authorities.
Chairman of the Kampung Rambai Tujuh Residents’ Action Committee, Dailami Zahari, said the community is aware that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for a previous project covering approximately 4,280 hectares had expired in July last year.
According to him, the new project proposal, which involves a smaller area of around 2,020 hectares, is also reported to have not received approval.
“As such, residents stress that any form of work, activity, or development in the area should not proceed without a valid and updated EIA approval from the Department of Environment Malaysia,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, residents also demand that any discussions with the developer be conducted openly and transparently, involving the entire community rather than through individual approaches.
They further emphasised that any proposed contributions to institutions such as mosques should not be linked to support for the project.
“Priority must be given to comprehensive explanations and full compliance with legal and environmental requirements,” the statement added.
Residents of Kampung Rambai Tujuh also reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the well-being, safety, and environmental sustainability of their village for present and future generations.
In this regard, they call on all parties to respect their stance and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
