17/12/2011 (Borneo Post) - Sabah Environmental Protection Association yesterday expressed its concern over the lack of manpower in the Sabah Environment Protection Department’s enforcement division.

Its president Wong Tack disclosed that with just about 10 people in the division, it was impossible for the department to execute its tasks.

“I am just wondering why the department has yet to increase the number of manpower in the enforcement division when I believe we need as many people to help protect and conserve our land, rivers, forests and environment,” he told reporters during a press conference, here.

He said the association had recently met the EPD director Yabi Yangkat and highlighted several pressing issues concerning the level of river pollution in Sabah as well as issues related to the Environmental Impact Assessment.

“Sabah is a huge state and rich of resources. We worry that with such limited manpower, they will not be able to perform well and some things would be left unsolved. The department would then be seen as non-functioning.

“Why are they not increasing the manpower … is it done purposely or just being irresponsible?” asked Wong.

Touching on EIA, he stressed that SEPA is willing to work closely with EPD and the government to ensure that the assessments are done properly.

“We will act to represent the people’s voices … SEPA would like to be included into the EIA process,” he said.

He said issues such as river pollution has long existed.

“We raised the issue up two years ago and still, today we are still talking about the same issue. We have raised about the irresponsible waste dumping from the palm oil plantations into the river … it is still unsolved,” he said.

He said palm oil plantation operators must be educated on the consequences of their action.

“The Department of Environment, a federal department, has been tasked with handling the issue but river pollution is still happening. I believe that if they cannot handle the situation, then they may leave and let the state government deal with the issue,” said Wong.

He said SEPA realises that oil palm is such an important commodity for the state and country but stressed that the operators must bear a sense of responsibility by practising good practices to help protect and conserve the environment.

“If we fail to meet the standards and continue polluting our rivers and environment, I believe we will lose our international consumers,” he said.

Wong also agreed with Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun that the RM20,000 penalty for river pollution is too low.

“Instead of charging the manager of the oil palm mills, we should get those in the higher ranks such as the director, then it would serve as a lesson to all and encourage them to comply with the standards,” he said.

He said the ministry has given them ample time to manage their waste, and still, many fail to comply.

“We believe that by exercising good waste management system, they would help create a healthier environment and build a sense of responsibility amongst their staff and officers. They will also help create job opportunities,” said Wong.

Next year, said Wong, they are hoping to work closely with the ministry and the department to ensure palm oil operators dispose their waste through the right method to avoid river pollution.

“Most people would say that pollution are due to the lack of awareness, but SEPA believes that it is due to the lack of willingness. We are prepared to hold seminars and workshops to educate the people and hope that we will be able to create a better place for all to live in,” said Wong.