Public Opinion - Coal-fired power Plant in Sandakan

Ms Eleanor Wong,
Chairman,
EAC Sandakan District,
Tingkat 4, Bangunan Urusetia,
Batu 7, Jalan Labuk
95000 Sandakan, Sabah. 15th June 2008.

Dear Madam,

Construction of coal-fired power plant in Sandakan

I am writing to you regarding the matter mentioned above. Recently, I came to know from various sources that the much debated coal-fired power plant is going to be built in Sandakan. Some sources even mentioned Seguntor area as the designated location. I hope EAC will take necessary action in drawing the attention of departments concerned on the health and environmental hazard caused by coal-fired power plant. Below are some information I managed to gather and would like to share with you.

Firstly, in the burning process of coal, a large amount of carbon dioxide and methane are released. The amount of carbon dioxide released in the process is, in fact, greater than from petroleum and twice as much as from natural gas. The truth is, the main cause of carbon dioxide increase in the atmosphere is due to coal usage by mankind. Now, large amount of carbon dioxide and methane will lead to green house effect which in turn will cause climate change and global warming [1].

Coal also contain and release various heavy metal such as uranium, thorium and mercury in the burning process. These metals, be it in the air or in the ground pose extreme health hazard to mankind. Pollution of water sources, land rendered unfit for human usage, just to mention a few. Acid rain is another outcome of extensive usage of coal.

In Texas, USA, it is estimated that pollution from coal-fired power plant shorten the lives of 1160 Texan, causes the loss of 196,149 working days, 1105 hospitalization, 33,987 asthma attacks, 144 death from lung cancer and 1791 heart attack every year. It is also found that for every 1,000 pounds of mercury released, there is a 17% increase in autism [2]. Those who has seen an autistic child will know how much mental distress is being experienced by the parents.

There are much more information on pollution by coal-fired power plant and the huge opposition to it if one cares to surf the internet. I am amazed as well as disgusted that Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd has decided to build the plant in Sandakan while not long ago decided not to build it in Lahad Datu. I am sure Sandakan folks will not agree with the plan if the news is being made public. Our state government still want to make decision quietly, as usual, and hope everyone to keep quiet. Haven't they Finally, I take this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done for the environment of Sandakan. But all those effort will count for nothing if you do not lead the opposition of the power plant because, this one power plant will destroy all you have planted and built, be it seeds, trees, parks and your REPUTATION as Environmental Action Committee.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Sandakan folk

Reference:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/coal/
2. http://www.stopthecoalplant.org/

c.c.

President, MPS
Member of Parliament, Sandakan
State Assemblyman, Elopura
State Assemblyman, Tanjung Papat
DAP, Sandakan
Borneo Post
Daily Express
New Sabah Times
Berita Harian Merdeka
Asia Times
See Hua Daily News
Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Sandakan