Health concerns, particularly the fear of dioxins and cancer, clearly dominates the socio-economic component of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study of the 1,500-tonne incinerator proposed in Broga, the biggest of its kind in the world.

Residents interviewed queried about dioxin transmission through drinking water supply, noise and air pollution.

Concerns were also raised regarding the absence of an explanation on the risks involved and the generally poor standard of maintenance by Malaysians.

The integrity and credibility of Tokyo-based Ebara Corporation, the company contracted by Malaysia to design and build the incinerator plant, was also questioned.

The detailed EIA study, released more than three weeks ago, has three volumes - executive summary, detailed report and appendices - with contents in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.

The delayed completion of the study by government-appointed environmental consultant, Perunding Utama, had given rise to speculations , including criticisms of a serious lack of transparency.

The report is currently up for public scrutiny with Oct 14 as the deadline for residents to submit written comments to the Department of Environment (DOE).

Interestingly, the 180-page executive summary found that during its socio-economic survey, public support for the project was below 15 percent.

It also found that about 77 percent of those interviewed wanted the multi-billion ringgit project to be sited elsewhere, 41 percent agreed for a smaller-scale plant and 30 percent totally opposed it.

"But it is an information-starved situation - about 80 percent want more information," said the report. It also noted a 31 percent rejection rate among households approached for the survey.

As a result of the project, the study found "deep social splits in some communities", a psychological fear of cancer-related deaths, a five percent drop in property sales and potential exploitation of farmers.

"The government's credibility is dented by the silence it has maintained over the issue," the study said.

Project 'struck fear'

The findings warned of a greater economic impact within a 5km-radius if the government revoked the temporary occupation licence (TOL) held by a large number of local farmers of the 5,000-odd residents who live in the vicinity of the incinerator site.

Other major losses in agricultural production are unavailable due to uncertain details on land acquisition, restrictions on land use, government policy on non-renewal of TOL and land alienation.

The study also cited a RM14 million loss reported by property developers following the announcement of the project being sited in Broga, but could not estimate the environmental costs in terms of damages.

"There is no doubt that the proposed project has struck fear into the hearts of the public. There is a wide difference between subjective (by public) and objective (by scientists) risk assessment," said the report, adding that the public's perceived risk is relatively higher and focused mostly on health.

The study found that information is crucial in communicating risks and social responsibility.

"Information provided will improve the understanding of risks and guide assessment of risks, resulting in a less distressed public. Understanding the actual risk also helps allay fears of disasters, much of which is alluded from experiences elsewhere."

"The findings of this study has shown that when more information on the project is available, perceived risks will drop. This may not occur for all the public but for a significant number."

The study also suggested for more transparency on the roles and responsibilities of major stakeholders, operations and management processes, and the environmental and social aspects.

"The public have asked to be included in committee that are monitoring or reviewing the results of the monitoring exercises," it said, recommending the inclusion of local representatives.

The executive summary also suggested that the Orang Asli and other farmers whose activities are affected by the development of the area for the project be given due attention, including proper land exchange and renewal of TOL.

Win back people's trust

Listing several key areas for intervention, the study saw the need to earn back people's trust in government decision-making to avoid local resistance that may have a wider implications.

The proposed plant, to use what the government claims to be Japan's latest zero emission fluidised-bed and ash-melting technology, will sit on a 19-ha plot of state land adjacent to the Sungai Lalang forest reserve in Semenyih.

The controversy-ridden project continues to face resistance from local and international activists and anti-incineration advocates who argue that the government should be implementing far better alternatives for its waste management programme.

The government is in a bind over several alleged scandals in Japan involving the main contractor for the Broga project.

The Semenyih/Broga No Incinerator protem action committee, a group of locals firmly opposed to the RM1.5 billion project, suspect a hidden agenda behind the government's insistence in pushing forward despite persistent public protests.

The mega-incinerator was initially proposed to be located in Puchong but was later moved to sparsely populated Broga after intense public opposition.