At the press conference, Abdul Hanan (front row, third left) and other protestors showing their opposition to MPS' move to rezone the incinerator site.
NON-governmental organisations (NGOs) opposing a proposed RM4.5bil incinerator project in Batu Arang are urging Selangor government to reject Selayang Municipal Council’s (MPS) Draft Local Plan 2030.
Jaringan Rawang Tolak Insinerator (JRTI) representative Abdul Hanan Abd Mokti said MPS was pressing ahead with amendments to the draft local plan to rezone the site from residential to heavy industrial, despite receiving over 4,000 objections to the rezoning.
“According to Section 14 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, any changes to the draft local plan requires MPS to conduct inquiries and hearings before approval.
“Despite MPS receiving 4,417 objections from local residents, housing developers and elected representatives, the council has proceeded with the rezoning.
“MPS had the option to keep the draft local plan unchanged or modify it based on these objections, as stipulated in Section 15(1) of the same Act.
“However, it approved the plan without any changes, disregarding the community feedback.
“It is believed that the draft local plan is now awaiting final approval from the Selangor executive council,” he said.
JRTI and two other NGOs are planning to hold a protest tomorrow in front of the MPS office in Batu Caves at 10am and are calling for public participation.
“We and our counterparts are deeply disappointed with MPS’ decision and demand a thorough explanation for disregarding community objections.
“We also urge Selangor government to reject this draft local plan amendment,” said Abdul Hanan at a press conference in Bandar Tasik Puteri.
JRTI received a letter from the Gombak District Police refusing it permission to assemble, citing safety, location and traffic congestion concerns, given that the MPS building is along the main road and near residential areas.
In response, JRTI issued a statement saying the refusal contradicted subsection 14(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012.
“The police may only impose restrictions and conditions but cannot block the assembly if the notification complies with Sections 9 and 10 of the said law.
“Under the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the organiser is only required to notify the police at least five days prior to the assembly – which we did on Sept 13, giving two weeks notice.
“JRTI remains fully committed to ensuring that the protest will be peaceful and orderly.”
On July 2, StarMetro reported that over 4,000 objection forms were submitted to MPS, opposing its plan to rezone land for the proposed mega incinerator project at Sultan Idris Shah Green Energy Park in Batu Arang.
The objection forms outlined key issues such as conflicts with Rawang’s status as a heritage town, traffic hazards, health risks, odour and water pollution, soil instability and impact on property value.
In a StarMetro report on Aug 27, MPS president Shahman Jalaludin assured residents that the proposed incinerator project in Batu Arang would not commence before the relevant studies were carried out.
However, he said land rezoning for the project would have to be done prior to the studies.
