DOE rejects royalty-linked palm oil project in T'ganu

The Environment Department (DOE) has rejected the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for an oil palm plantation project in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, which previously raised environmental concerns.

According to the DOE’s website, the status of the project’s EIA was revised from “in process” to “not approved”.

A DOE spokesperson confirmed that the proposed Pure Green Development Sdn Bhd project had been rejected.

The spokesperson told Malaysiakini the decision was made on Sept 9.

Yesterday, the Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) said they were pleased to announce that the DOE had rejected the EIA for the proposed development of over 2,000ha of virgin peat swamp forest.

“As a result, the development has been halted for the time being.

“In addition to MNS Terengganu’s comprehensive response to the EIA and objections voiced by multiple parties, media outlets such as Macaranga and Malaysiakini played a key role in building a strong case against the project.

“Together, we successfully protected this vital ecosystem from exploitation,” it said.

First of many victories, hopefully

MNS Terengganu hoped this marks the first of many victories for environmental conservation in Terengganu and it promised to continue championing sustainable development that benefits both people and the planet.

Pure Green submitted an EIA report in mid-June, seeking to clear a 2,229ha peat swamp forest in Kuala Nerus to develop an oil palm plantation. Pure Green belongs to Tengku Baderul Zaman, who is the brother of Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Multiple government agencies, including the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Lembaga Sumber Air Terengganu, and the DOE expressed their concerns that the project might not be profitable and carries risks of potential failure.

They were concerned that flooding and the water crisis in the area would worsen.

Although the oil palm plantation project in the peat forest has been put on hold, the Belara forest, located east of the planned development site, is threatened by logging projects, one of which is by a company called Cahaya Ikhtiar Sdn Bhd, whose sole owner is Terengganu ruler Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

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