Malaysia: Protect the rainforest reserve and turtles. Dear Mr. Najib Tun Razak and Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, The Segari Region in the Malaysian State of Perak is home to several unique ecosystems. Both the beach and the surrounding rainforest reserves have been recognized as Level 1 and 2 environmentally sensitive areas according to Malaysia’s national environmental law. Specifically, this means that no development of any kind is permitted there, with few exceptions for ecotourism, research and educational projects. I am therefore very concerned about your plans to build a steel mill (Maegma Steel HRC) and a liquefied natural gas plant there, and do not understand why you are ignoring your own environmental regulations. These construction projects would jeopardize the existence of numerous animal and plant species. Among them are the green sea turtle, which has one of its few nesting sites on Pasir Panjang beach, a habitat crucial to its survival. Animals endemic to the neighboring reserves of Tanjung Hantu Forest and Segari Melintang Forest are also in danger. Furthermore, you are ignoring your country’s responsibility to preserve the endangered plant species on the international Red List. The affected rainforest is rich in mangroves and dipterocarpaceae, two species of which are listed: Shorea glauca is classified as "endangered" and Shorea lumutensis as "critically endangered". The industrial development in an area of undisturbed nature is clearly contrary to Malaysian conservation law and other environmental regulations. Not only would the project tarnish Malaysia’s international image, your own population would suffer the consequences. Fishermen and people relying on tourism will lose a large part of their income, and the toxic emissions from the steel mill will pose a serious threat to the health of local residents. I therefore emphatically call on you to review your decision with a critical eye. Sincerely, Professor VASILIOS GIKAS, Academician US - 16146 SHARON
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 13:15:25 +0000
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