Going bald like Bukit Relau

GEORGE TOWN (Jan 1, 2014): Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu had his head shaved today to protest the lack of action by authorities over last year's illegal land clearing on Bukit Relau.
"This serves as a reminder to the authorities, be it state or federal government, that something needs to be done," he told a press conference today.
Teh's assistant, former Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) councillor Lim Cheng Hoe and DAP Sri Tanjung Bungah branch member Alfred Lee, who were present with him at the press conference, also had their heads shaved.
Teh, who is well-known for championing environmental issues since becoming an assemblyman in 2008, said he is disappointed with the condition of the "bald" part of the hill, which can be seen from as far as the Penang Bridge.
"The land owner was told to carry out mitigation and restoration works but until now, it still does not look good," he said.
In July last year, developer General Accomplishment Sdn Bhd was fined RM30,000 for carrying out illegal earthworks without written permission from the authorities between Apr 24 and May 8, 2013.
Teh said apart from MPPP, which brought the developer to court over the matter, three other agencies – the State Forestry Department, State Environment Department and State Drainage and Irrigation Department, should also take the developer to task over the matter.
He said the departments could charge the developer under several acts, including the National Forestry Act 1984 and Environmental Quality (amended) Act 2012 for several offences, including illegal logging and damage to the environment.
"This is a serious environmental problem. No one should be above the law," he said.