TNB cable project a threat to Janda Baik's forest and rivers

KUALA LUMPUR: Resort operators in Janda Baik in Pahang who have been crying foul over the destruction of the forest and rivers in the area due to increasing agriculture and development activities now have to contend with the effects of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB)'s high voltage cable project.
Janda Baik Resort Association (RAJB) chairman Datuk Rusma Ibrahim said, in a statement today, the project further contributed to the destruction of the environment there as it proceeded in a devastating manner -destroying the forest and turning the rivers murky.
She said the project that commenced in 2015 was discontinued for a while following a protest from the villagers and the association.
"The proposed transmission lines would be running along the main rivers and this will result in the cutting down of many trees and hence contribute to the erosion of the river banks," she said.
Rusma said that previously TNB and the state government had agreed to consider alternative routes proposed by them and the villagers, and that TNB would carry out Environmental Assessment studies and the reports tabled to the locals.
Unfortunately, she said the proposed meeting on the reports never took place despite several reminders from RAJB.
"The association calls for the authorities to stop the project with immediate effect and to carry out rehabilitation and restoration work, whenever possible," she added. — Bernama