DAP's sole representative in the Sarawak legislative assembly has called on the state government to scrap the proposed RM7.6 billion aluminium smelter plant in Bintulu.

Kidurong DAP state assemblyperson Chiew Chin Sing, debating the Supply Bill 2003 in the assembly this week, cited as reason against the project implementation, the hazards to human health and environment from the emissions of some of the gases, effluent discharge and solid waste from the smelter.

Another reason is that the government may have to subsidise heavily the plant operation through a lower electricity tariff, he said.

Chiew was referring to the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Gulf International Investment Group and the Dubai Aluminium Company Ltd for undertaking the smelter plant to be sited in Similajau, Bintulu.