GEORGE TOWN, March 17 – Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has expressed dissatisfaction with the approval process for the Penang Hill Cable Car project, citing concerns over the lack of public participation. According to SAM, the decision by the Director General of the Department of Environment (DOE) to approve the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) without public display and feedback contradicts legal requirements outlined in the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 2015.
SAM argues that transportation projects like the cable car, despite its relatively short distance, necessitate public scrutiny due to potential environmental and social ramifications, especially in environmentally sensitive areas like Penang Hill and the Penang Botanical Gardens. Highlighting the significance of public involvement in decision-making processes, SAM emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in approving projects of public interest.
Despite assurances from authorities regarding minimal environmental disruption, SAM insists on the importance of independent assessment and public scrutiny to uphold legal standards and safeguard community interests. Urging the DOE and the Penang State Government to make essential project documents public for feedback, SAM stresses the vital role of transparency in maintaining public trust and ensuring responsible governance.
