The Japan government has never been involved in any way in the proposed incinerator project that may be located in Broga, Semenyih, according to an embassy official in Kuala Lumpur.

Contacted today, economic section first secretary Yoshihiro Kakishita reiterated an earlier denial of his government's involvement.

'Same answer'

Previous media reports had stated that the RM1.5 billion thermal incinerator project was to be funded through a RM2 billion Japanese soft loan provided by the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC).

"Our government has never been involved in this project, not even at the time when it was proposed in Puchong," Yoshihiro told malaysiakini when contacted o­n the source of funding for the 1,500-tonne incinerator.

"The Japan government is not and never was involved in this project, whether in terms of providing financial or technical assistance."

The Malaysian government maintains that the controversial project is funded by a soft loan from Japan. Such a low-interest arrangement between governments is usually accompanied by technical assistance from the country selling the technology.

Asked if the embassy would consider raising the matter with the Housing and Local Government Ministry - the lead agency for the project - to clear the air, Yoshihiro said this would not be necessary.

"From what I've read in the newspapers, this is a Malaysian government project. We feel it would be inappropriate for us to raise this issue but if someone asks us, we will give the same answer. We just don't want to be seen as interfering in Malaysia's domestic problem," he said.

Site not finalised

On Sunday, the Broga/Semenyih No Incinerator pro tem action committee took journalists, NGOs and political party members to check on the work in progress at the proposed site located about 400m above sea level.

Asked for clarification, Selangor exco member for local government, housing and squatters, and environment, Mohktar Dahlan ( left ), said the residents have nothing to worry about.

"The actual site has not been finalised yet and the consultants are trying to identify a suitable site together with the technical committee, which will conduct the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study," he said.

"In determining the actual site out of three or four potential sites that have been mapped, the team will consider the water flow, road condition and soil content, among other aspects. The final site will be decided o­nce the EIA study is completed."

Mohktar said residents did not have to worry about anything because "we are doing everything properly".

"We are not just trying to build the incinerator anywhere, that is why we need to do the necessary tests as well as study the environment in order to preserve the surroundings," he said.

Perunding Utama Sdn Bhd, a firm registered with the Department of Environment, is the EIA consultant.