We refer to the Malaysiakini report PM launches S'wak economic blueprint .

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is very concerned about the federal government's long-term plans to develop the 320 km coastal stretch from Tanjung Manis to Similajau in Sarawak covering an area of 70,708 square kilometers as a corridor for renewable energy.

The government firstly needs to correct its misconception on the term ‘renewable energy’. Coal, large hydro-power, petroleum and natural gas are all not renewable energy. Secondly, the government should, in fact, be clear and transparent in its energy resource planning for future energy needs. Does Sarawak, in fact, need that much of energy to fuel the state?

SAM also questions whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been undertaken as well as a Social Impact Assessment survey to study the impacts of the project on the affected.

Further, the EIA process must be transparent and open for public participation and should be carried out in accordance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and regulations. It should not be undertaken under the Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance which does not allow for public participation unless the project proponent so desires.

Although the prime minister has called for the implementing authorities to be mindful of the environment and to develop a green development framework, a needs assessment must first be conducted in a transparent manner before any further decisions are made.

Moreover, besides assessing the impacts of energy project developments, the public must also be informed of other components that will be developed to consume the energy generated. If such components include the establishment of industries like aluminum smelting, this is further cause for worry in terms of environmental, health and social impacts to the region.

With climate change and sustainable development high on the agenda of the Malaysian government, SAM calls for a thorough study to be done on this developmental plan for Sarawak. We further urge the government to restrain itself from promoting costly projects that will have adverse impacts on communities and the environment besides being wasteful.

Instead, the government will do better by refocusing their priorities to ensure that electricity, water and sanitary services are accessible to the rural populations of Sarawak, many of whom have yet to have access to such basic necessities.

The writer is president, Sahabat Alam Malaysia.