The clock is ticking fast as opponents of the proposed controversial coal-powered plant in Lahad Datu, Sabah keep up the momentum going into the dying hours of the detailed environmental impact assessment (DEIA) objection period.

Only one day remains before the door closes to the public to state their stand to the federal department of environment on the billion-ringgit project, which had been rejected by the state twice before.

And if Green Surf, a coalition of pro-environment NGOs, has its way, the project could be rejected yet again.

azlan The coal-powered plant, pushed forward by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak during a visit to the state capital Kota Kinabalu in November last year, has drawn continued flak - with activists accusing the federal administration of shoving it down Sabahans' throats.

To date, over 2,000 people, including from the international community, have signed an online petition to demand the federal government drop its plans to build the plant.

It did not help sentiments and dissatisfaction that the DEIA was found to be flawed, with numerous mistakes and vague references that do not explain how the plant will not have an adverse effect on its surrounding environment in the Dent peninsula, where it will be built, say activists.

Each of the five members of Green Surf - WWF Malaysia, Land Empowerment Animals People (Leap), Pacos Trust, Sabah Environment Protection Association (Sepa) and the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) - has come up with an executive summary on what is wrong with the DEIA.

One of the summaries, done by Leap, outlined in 12 pages the many questionable and unacceptable proposals put across in the DEIA, from unclear waste management practices to the blatant disregard for other short-term energy alternatives.

Report's credibility questioned

In an earlier 14-point summary of the DEIA published by Green Surf, the coalition also questioned the credibility of the report which cited several animal and marine species that either do not represent the local biodiversity or are simply not found in Sabah.

NONE Among the species cited in the report but not found in Sabah include the wild pig ( Sus scrofa ), Dusky Langur ( Semnopithecus obscurus ) and the white-rumped shama.

Following the outcry by the activists, Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman yesterday indicated that the state would push for a review of the DEIA.

masidi manjun State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Masidi Manjun ( right ) confirmed that Musa had made such an order, but only "if necessary".

He noted that the end of the DEIA's objection period tomorrow does not mean it is the end of discussions on the project, estimated to cost around RM1.3 billion.

"Of course we take note of the fact that quite a few people are not happy with the project. Obviously we will have to see if there is a need to review the report," he said when contacted.

Masidi gave an assurance that their federal counterparts, who are almost entirely responsible for handling the project, have include the relevant state agencies in discussions though he pointed out that their participation is by "invitation".

This is the third incarnation of the coal-powered plant project, with the first two rejected by both the state government and Sabahans on grounds that it would destroy the state's environment, a cash cow for Sabah which is known for its eco-tourism.

The first proposal was for it to be built in Silam, Lahad Datu in 2007 and two years later in Seguntor, Sandakan.