Review Proposed Palm Oil Mill in Sungai Ranggam, Perak

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges the Perak state government to review the proposed plans to construct a palm oil mill in Sungai Ranggam near Pasir Salak here because of the potential impacts to the environment and the local community.

The mill is proposed to be built near residential areas inhabited by more than 4,000 people and not far from a river that is a source of livelihood for fishermen here.

Recently, residents of Kampung Sungai Ranggam and Kota Setia who are concerned of potential environmental pollution if the mill is built in this area held a peaceful protest to voice their objections over the planned construction of the mill.

They claim that the mill may cause odour problems, pollute the waters of Ranggam River and threaten aquatic life therein which will then affect the livelihood of fishermen in the area.

CAP urges the State government and local authority to pay serious attention to this matter as it involves the wellbeing of the people and the environment.  Detailed study of the possible impacts on the environment and the local communities’ opinion and consent are essential before building plans commences.

CAP had previously received many complaints from the public about environmental pollution resulting from palm oil mills operating in the country. Hence CAP is concerned that similar problems may occur here in the future.

Thus CAP hopes that the Perak state government, departments and other relevant agencies will immediately investigate this issue. If it is evident that the palm oil mill can cause adverse impacts to the environment and affect the lives of the local community, it is justified to cancel the proposed construction of the mill here.

Press Statement, 26th October 2015