Maya Karin Says “No to Coal Plants in Sabah”

Petaling Jaya, 5th March 2010: Almost a year after supporting Earth Hour 2009, popular actress and entertainer Maya Karin recently highlighted her concern about climate change by signing the “Say No to Coal Plants in Sabah” petition.

“Climate change is considered to be one of the biggest threats facing nature and humanity today. We must explore using alternative, green energy sources to help mitigate climate change and preserve the planet for the future generation. Malaysia has been blessed with a rich natural heritage, and we should pour our efforts into conserving our natural treasures,” said Maya Karin.

“It says a lot about the level of concern when you have celebrities such as Maya Karin stepping up to sign this petition,” stated Dr. Rahimatsah Amat, WWF-Malaysia’s Borneo Programme Chief Technical Officer, who commended the well known Malaysian figure for her courage to stand up for climate change issues.

The petition was launched by a coalition of local Non-Governmental Organisations in Sabah late last year to urge the Government to opt for alternative energy solutions for the State’s urgent energy woes. Members of the public have been signing up at Green SURF’s members’ offices and events.  There is also an online version which can be signed by visiting the www.nocoalsabah.blogspot.com webpage.

Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future), is a coalition of five prominent NGOs: Land Empowerment Animals and People (LEAP), Partners of Community Organisations (PACOS Trust), Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA), the Malaysian Nature Society’s Sabah Branch and WWF-Malaysia.

“Sabah has been the leader in conservation work in the region and can also become the leader in green energy by harnessing biomass energy production via palm oil waste materials,” reiterated Rahimatsah on
behalf of Green SURF.

Sabah is a place envied in the region for its natural wonders - the sea to the mountains and forests. The State is rich in natural resources, which are of importance not only to the entire nation, but also the world.

Having a coal-fired power plant is also not in line with management plans such as the Sabah Shoreline Management Plan nor with the Sabah Development Corridor as Sabah aims to be the most liveable place in Asia by 2025.

“Sabahans value this and do not want to risk damaging this “Gift from God”, as bringing in a coal-fired plant would damage the world class conservation reputation that we have worked so hard for,” added Rahimatsah.

Green SURF also urged the Federal Government to consider developing one of the two budgeted green pioneer townships with green technology in Sabah.

“We applaud our Prime Minister for having the foresight of planning these green pioneer townships and we request that East Malaysia also has one and we recommend that the Government consider one of our East Coast townships such as Sandakan, Lahad Datu or Tawau,” stated Rahimatsah.

“Malaysia is at a crossroads and decisions we make now will forever have an impact on Sabah and the nation’s natural treasures in this State. Let us make the right choices for climate change and become a world class model of green energy,” concluded Rahimatsah.

Ends

Green SURF is a coalition of concerned NGOs and citizens with the founding member organisations being; Land Empowerment Animals Planet (LEAP), Malaysian Nature Society, Partners for Community Organisations (PACOS TRUST), Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) and WWF-Malaysia.