Sahabat Alam Malaysia welcomes the announcement by Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister S Sothinathan that the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the proposed RM24.5 billion northern oil pipeline project would be evaluated in its entirety.

This is a very prudent approach as the 300km pipeline is expected to span three states across Kedah, Perak and Kelantan and the environmental and social impacts must be assessed as a whole and not in parts.

SAM is extremely concerned about the proposed project, as it will not only include the construction of the oil pipeline, but will also include oil refining activities in Yan, Kedah.

Apart from concerns raised over the impact of the project on the Belum-Temenggor forest, the pipeline and refineries will also involve the displacement of large numbers of padi farmers and other communities and pose a risk to both the people who live close to the refineries and the sensitive ecosystems and highlands along the central spine of the country.

Potential impacts from such activities can include spills, leaks and accidents from the transport of the oil and this includes risks of explosions and fires, health impacts due to gas flaring and air pollution, contribution to acid rain and climate change as well as contamination of water supplies.

Given the significant impacts that can arise from such a project, an evaluation of the project in its entirety is imperative.

In addition, the EIA process should not be a mere formality to approve the project with promises of mitigating the risks, but rather a serious evaluation of the environmental and social impacts of the project and its desirability and justification.

A comprehensive cost -benefit analysis is also needed.

Further, SAM calls on the state governments of Kedah, Perak and Kelantan to make public the details of the proposed plans and to ensure genuine and effective public participation and consultation before the project is implemented.

The writer is president, SAM.