The Semenyih/Broga No Incinerator pro tem committee is prepared to go to court if the government decides to approve the controversy-ridden project.

Co-ordinator Alice Lee said the committee is in the process of obtaining funds to meet the legal costs.

"Over the past two weeks, Broga residents have donated about RM5,000. We will continue with our appeal during our campaign activities in other (affected) places," she said.

"We will have to take legal action because we will not have any other avenue (to have our case heard once the government goes ahead with the move)."

Residents in Broga and Semenyih have claimed that the incinerator operations will be hazardous to their health and environment. The government is pushing for the 1,500-tonne plant to come on stream in 2007.

Student project

Last Sunday, the Malaysia Youth and Students Democratic Movement (Dema) added its support to the Broga protest by releasing a report on the proposed incinerator. They handed the document to Lee at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall.

She said the committee would make a decision on sending the report to Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting.

The 43-page report - published in English and Mandarin - was prepared by a group of university and college students attached to the group's social service department.

Dema national affairs secretary Chang Lih Kang said the students began their research three months ago, including conducting a series of interviews. They visited Broga several times during this period to gather material and public views.

"This is not a technical report. It is meant to expose the public to alternative information, since the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is being carried out by a government-appointed company," he said.

"People have the right to know about the government's plans. If it wants to build an incinerator, then it should communicate with the people and hold discussions with them," he added.

Chang said the public should be informed about details of construction, the cost of operating the incinerator, safety precautions to be taken and the impact of the plant's operations.

However, even the researchers had faced numerous obstacles when trying to obtain updated information from the relevant authorities, he said.

Provide proof

This is the second time in recent years that Dema members have been involved in a public cause. Previously, they had volunteered to be part-time teachers at the original SJK(C) Damansara school , which was closed by the Education Ministry in January 2001.

A new premises was allocated nearby, but some parents have chosen to keep their children in the original premises in protest of the move.

"Dema believes students should not merely study on campus. We should stand with the people, stand with the community and participate in community issues," Chang explained.

He said the incinerator report contains information on the negative impact on the environment, human health and economy. It proposes that a 'zero waste' approach be implemented instead to deal with waste management.

Chang said the government was free to challenge the credibility of the report.

"If they are unhappy, they are welcome to counter our information. In fact, we hope that they can provide proof that the plant will be good for the community," he added.

Those interested in a copy of the report may submit their request through: dema1998@hotmail.com