A fund-raising dinner to raise funds for the legal cost of stopping the proposed RM1.5 billion incinerator project in Broga, near Semenyih, has netted RM5,000, said a committee member.

Wong Kai Soon, originally from Broga but who lives and works in Seremban now, said the money raised has taken the legal fund closer to meeting the targeted RM20,000.

"We now have RM17,000, including funds raised through other activities. Raising the balance should pose no problem," he said when contacted today.

He said money is no longer an issue as many businessmen are also regularly contributing by sponsoring campaign materials, among other ways.

"What we need most now is professional support. We need experts who can help us study the various technical and environmental aspects of the incinerator project," he said.

Wong, who acted as master of ceremonies at the dinner, said the 53 tables were mainly taken up by Broga villagers.

"Many came from the surrounding villages. Also present were DAP chairperson Lim Kit Siang, Seputeh MP Teresa Kok and several other DAP Mps," he said.

"One table was reserved for members of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia but I'm not sure if anyone turned up that night."

The legal fund was launched to bear the cost of a case pending hearing at the Shah Alam High Court.

Public protests

Contacted today, Kok said the DAP has given the Broga villagers its full support and encouragement.

"I told residents not to lose hope because it is very easy to feel lost and helpless in cases like this. All campaigns start off this way but people have to persevere and continue their struggle," she said.

She referred to the Puchong incinerator as example of how mounting public pressure had forced the government to relocate the project to Broga in late 2002.

She cited another example of the Chinese cemetery along the old airport road in Sungai Besi - the the government had to scrap plans to develop the land following public protests.

"I told the Broga people to fight till the end until the government changes its policy on waste management," she said.

Kok said she explained how the DAP had raised the issue in Parliament but was thrown out.

"We're trying our best to assist them but I think the initiative should come from the people. I've even approached (Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Ting) and other government officials but nothing has happened."

Nevertheless, she said, it is important to maintain pressure in rejecting the incinerator project, especially when there is no comprehensive plan to regulate waste management.

"Hopefully, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will keep his word about reviewing all mega projects and will include the incinerator project under this policy."

Media blackout

She also noted that residents around Semenyih and Kajang are generally unaware of the incinerator issue because of the media blackout on such information.

"They do not realise the long-term implications of the project on their lives, which is why they haven't done much to protest about it."

Kok alleged that the elected representative for the area has not been performing his duty to ensure the safety of his constituents and to protect their right to a healthy life.

Residents' protests led by the Semenyih/Broga No Incinerator pro-tem action committee against the incinerator project have fallen on deaf ears at all levels of government for more than two years.

Local and international anti-incinerator activists have condemned incineration technology. Instead, they have proposed alternative waste management methods that have been proven to be more effective, cheaper and a boost to the local economy.

In late June, the government approved the environmental impact assessment for the project with six conditions attached.

Detractors have claimed the conditions to be a mere eyewash because it does nothing to alleviate the fears of local residents over their safety as well as concerns over the technical aspects of the project expressed by international experts.

In July, malaysiakini quoted sources close to the project that the government is facing problems with the contractor, Japan's Ebara Corporation . However, there has been no comment on the matter to date.