WWF-Malaysia is grateful to Najib and Musa for scrapping Sabah coal-fired power plant

WWF-Malaysia wholeheartedly welcomes the news that both the Federal and State governments have decided against plans to build a coal fired power plant in Lahad Datu, Sabah. WWF-Malaysia is grateful particularly to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Chief Minister of Sabah Datuk Seri Musa Aman for being cognizant of the irrevocable environmental damage that the proposed plant would have caused. 

WWF-Malaysia views this pivotal decision by both governments as a milestone and one that cements the fact that environmental considerations are being viewed as priority and a crucial factor in governmental decision making.

Malaysia is currently at the crossroads of meeting the nation's energy needs and fulfilling its commitment to sustainable development. The way forward is to view energy development at a macro level and develop a long term comprehensive energy blueprint for the country. In this endeavour it is absolutely imperative that the national energy blue print is underscored by factors such as sustainability, renewability and safety.

Additionally, WWF-Malaysia is encouraged that public opinion on the proposed plant has prevailed on decision makers and in this spirit, urges the government to embark on a robust public and stakeholder consultation in the development of the sustainable energy blue print for Malaysia. WWF-Malaysia is confident that the Prime Minister will view the development of this blue print as a national priority.

Dato’ Dr Dionysius S. K. Sharma
Executive Director/CEO
WWF-Malaysia
18^th February 2011