Energy provider Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is unable to confirm a meeting with Rawang new village residents tomorrow despite an assurance on the matter from Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin Kah Fui in Parliament yesterday.

When contacted today, a TNB spokesperson told Malaysiakini that he is in the dark over the meeting.

rawang protest 170310 07 "At this point in time, we cannot confirm anything yet," he said. Chin, when contacted today, also declined to comment.

Yesterday, a protest by 200 residents at the entrance of the village ended when Rawang state assemblyperson Gan Pei Nei told them that, according to Chin, TNB would meet them on Friday.

Chin had, at a meeting with Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim yesterday, also pledged that no demolition would take place until a discussion is held.

According to Gan, the meeting will see Khalid acting as an arbitrator to the dispute between the power utility and the villagers. Also expected to be part of the discussion are representatives from the ministry.

In search of ‘win-win’ solution

Bernama reported today that Chin is helping to find “win-win solution” for all parties concerned.

"I have exchanged views with Selangor menteri besar and also the parties concerned, including TNB. At least temporarily, I have asked TNB to refrain from demolishing those houses concerned," he said.

The protest came after TNB revives plans to build high-tension cable towers at the village, which will cut the hamlet into two.

The residents, who are also worried about potential health hazards from the power lines, have held a number of protests against the plan, including taking TNB to court.

However, the Federal Court ruled last year that TNB could resume its construction work, but ordered the giant power utility to compensate residents RM10.4 million.