PRESS RELEASE BY HIMPUNAN HIJAU 109
10th OCTOBER 2011
We questioned the sincerity of our PM. Only less than a month ago, he said Malaysia should move towards a more open society. Peaceful assembly shall be allowed but that was not reflected in the Himpunan Hijau 109 event in Kuantan. Police and the local town council have taken unnecessary actions to interrupt the event and intimidate the organizer and participants.
Permits from both the police and local council were withdrawn at the eleventh hour. Temporary tents and stage that were already set up by the organizer at the event venue were dismantled in the middle of the night. Uniformed Armed personnels were dispatched on site. Roadblocks were set up and parking areas were sealed. This is blatant abuse of power.The only reason given was instruction from above. We would like to know who is the person above giving such instruction. Is he above the people?
Government controlled medias have distorted and misreported the event with agendas that only they themselves know. We wish to clarify that Himpunan Hijau 109 is a people’s movement and is purely organized by the community group. It is a movement that transcends political boundaries. All political parties including Barisan Nasional component party came and supported the event with only one agenda. They decided to stand on the side of the people. National television news has lied to the people and the whole nation by saying that the event is a failure and that it is organized and backed by the opposition.
The event marked major victory of people’s power and people must know this is not the climax of our struggle. It is only the first wave hitting the shore. We assure you that if nothing change we will bound to see the greatest tsunami.
In reference to the anti Lynas campaign, we want everyone to know that we will walk the streets one way or another. Either to celebrate victory or to express the strongest anger. The people have already decided. Now it’s up to the authorities.
WONG TACK
Chairperson
National Steering Committee
Himpunan Hijau 109
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*Note : Photos are available for download at Facebook : Pahang Don’t Need “Hazardous” Project
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Monday, October 10, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Green SURF Supporter Conquers Three Oceans In Solo Row
KOTA KINABALU (6th October 2011): British ocean rower Roz Savage who was in Sabah last year to lend her support in halting a coal-fired power plant, a project that has since been scrapped, has become the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
Savage arrived in Mauritius on Oct 4, five months after setting off from Fremantle in Australia as part of her goal to cross the Indian Ocean, having conquered the Atlantic Ocean in 2005 to 2006, followed by the Pacific Ocean last year.
Named as a United Nations Climate Hero and athlete ambassador for 350.org, an international campaign that is building a movement to unite the world on solutions to the climate crisis, Savage uses her ocean voyages to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental issues.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) today congratulated Savage for creating a world record, describing her as a role model for groups and individuals worldwide who are working tirelessly to safeguard the planet from further environmental degradation.
Green SURF spokesperson Cynthia Ong said Savage had heard from 350.org of the coalition’s efforts to stop the 300 megawatt coal plant on Sabah’s east coast, while traveling in the region after completing the Pacific Ocean row.
“Her message is simple -- that each of us can make a difference in caring for and respecting the earth. In July last year, she campaigned alongside Green SURF for clean energy for Sabah as an alternative to a proposed coal-fired power plant.
“Savage carried a banner with a message of support for clean energy in Sabah, and took this up to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, before diving with the same message in waters off here, and parasailing with the banner in Tanjung Aru,” Ong said in a statement today.
The Government cancelled the proposed coal plant at Kampung Sinakut in Lahad Datu in February this year, following concerns raised by various stakeholders including Green SURF.
Ong said Green SURF was proud of Savage’s “Big Three” feat, in reference to the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, and felt honoured that she supported the coalition in asking for clean energy in Sabah.
Savage, who was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2010, worked as a management consultant in London before it dawned on her that her materialistic lifestyle was not the path to happiness, and was having an appalling impact on the environment.
During a Press conference in Kota Kinabalu last year, Savage was quoted as saying that the intelligent choice for any modern, forward looking country is clean, renewable energy.
“Every day I ask myself what I can do to make my world a better place. I urge you to do the same. Let’s look after this planet. It’s the only one we’ve got,” Savage was further quoted as saying.
In a blog posting from her Sabah trip, Savage stressed on the need to switch to renewable energies, steering a course that will meet energy needs in future.
After crossing the Indian Ocean, Savage has now rowed over 24,000 kilometres (15,000 miles), taken 5 million oar strokes, and spent over 500 days at sea.
***
Savage arrived in Mauritius on Oct 4, five months after setting off from Fremantle in Australia as part of her goal to cross the Indian Ocean, having conquered the Atlantic Ocean in 2005 to 2006, followed by the Pacific Ocean last year.
Named as a United Nations Climate Hero and athlete ambassador for 350.org, an international campaign that is building a movement to unite the world on solutions to the climate crisis, Savage uses her ocean voyages to raise awareness and inspire action on environmental issues.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) today congratulated Savage for creating a world record, describing her as a role model for groups and individuals worldwide who are working tirelessly to safeguard the planet from further environmental degradation.
Green SURF spokesperson Cynthia Ong said Savage had heard from 350.org of the coalition’s efforts to stop the 300 megawatt coal plant on Sabah’s east coast, while traveling in the region after completing the Pacific Ocean row.
“Her message is simple -- that each of us can make a difference in caring for and respecting the earth. In July last year, she campaigned alongside Green SURF for clean energy for Sabah as an alternative to a proposed coal-fired power plant.
“Savage carried a banner with a message of support for clean energy in Sabah, and took this up to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, before diving with the same message in waters off here, and parasailing with the banner in Tanjung Aru,” Ong said in a statement today.
The Government cancelled the proposed coal plant at Kampung Sinakut in Lahad Datu in February this year, following concerns raised by various stakeholders including Green SURF.
Ong said Green SURF was proud of Savage’s “Big Three” feat, in reference to the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, and felt honoured that she supported the coalition in asking for clean energy in Sabah.
Savage, who was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year 2010, worked as a management consultant in London before it dawned on her that her materialistic lifestyle was not the path to happiness, and was having an appalling impact on the environment.
During a Press conference in Kota Kinabalu last year, Savage was quoted as saying that the intelligent choice for any modern, forward looking country is clean, renewable energy.
“Every day I ask myself what I can do to make my world a better place. I urge you to do the same. Let’s look after this planet. It’s the only one we’ve got,” Savage was further quoted as saying.
In a blog posting from her Sabah trip, Savage stressed on the need to switch to renewable energies, steering a course that will meet energy needs in future.
After crossing the Indian Ocean, Savage has now rowed over 24,000 kilometres (15,000 miles), taken 5 million oar strokes, and spent over 500 days at sea.
***
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Public Invited to Renewable Energy Fun Day
PRESS STATEMENT
KOTA KINABALU (21 Sept 2011): Sabah will join thousands worldwide in advocating renewable energy through a local fun-filled event at the First Beach Café in Tanjung Aru this Saturday.
The local programme is among hundreds of Moving Planet events that will be carried out on Sept 24 in over 150 countries to mark a day for the global community to move beyond fossil fuels and to renewable energy.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) is inviting the public to support the half day event that starts at 9am, and to use the opportunity to learn about renewable energy and to participate in drawing posters with messages that reflect our dependence on fossil fuels is damaging the environment.
The coalition of non-governmental organisations will compile the posters, and plans to display them at another event next year.
Green SURF spokesperson Cynthia Ong said it is important for the public to directly participate in sending a strong message on why there is an urgent need for more renewable energy projects to take off in Malaysia, and the world.
“We encourage the public in Sabah to engage in the renewable energy and fossil fuel conversation because it is of local and global relevance, especially at this time.
“Come to this event and draw your messages. Bring your children, bring your ideas, bring your own materials if you can, and be part of this exciting movement.
“The Government has initiated policies that push for renewable energy, and is taking positive steps and we are supporting this by initiating and mobilising a wider participation from civil society,” Ong said in a statement.
The event that ends at 1pm will also feature a solar hybrid demonstration model created by renewable energy solutions provider Adrian Lasimbang of Era Wira Sdn Bhd, a beach clean-up and a Zumba dance performance led by fitness instructor Michelle Koh.
Green SURF registered its Say YES To Renewable Energy event with 350.org, an international grassroots campaign aimed at mobilising people to bring carbon dioxide emissions back down to and below the scientifically-determined safe level of 350 parts per million (ppm), from the current 391ppm level.
Ong said Green SURF’s effort to take part in the global event is in line with the coalition’s plans to facilitate renewable energy projects in Sabah, and nationwide.
“With our wide network, we are in the position to become a movement that offers solutions. We are already spearheading exciting renewable energy projects including a Southeast Asia Clean Energy Summit in 2012,” she said.
To learn more about the event, visit the “Say YES to Renewable Energy!” page on Facebook, or email the organisers at nocoal.sabah@gmail.com. To read about 350.org’s Moving Planet, visit www.moving-planet.org.
***
KOTA KINABALU (21 Sept 2011): Sabah will join thousands worldwide in advocating renewable energy through a local fun-filled event at the First Beach Café in Tanjung Aru this Saturday.
The local programme is among hundreds of Moving Planet events that will be carried out on Sept 24 in over 150 countries to mark a day for the global community to move beyond fossil fuels and to renewable energy.
Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) is inviting the public to support the half day event that starts at 9am, and to use the opportunity to learn about renewable energy and to participate in drawing posters with messages that reflect our dependence on fossil fuels is damaging the environment.
The coalition of non-governmental organisations will compile the posters, and plans to display them at another event next year.
Green SURF spokesperson Cynthia Ong said it is important for the public to directly participate in sending a strong message on why there is an urgent need for more renewable energy projects to take off in Malaysia, and the world.
“We encourage the public in Sabah to engage in the renewable energy and fossil fuel conversation because it is of local and global relevance, especially at this time.
“Come to this event and draw your messages. Bring your children, bring your ideas, bring your own materials if you can, and be part of this exciting movement.
“The Government has initiated policies that push for renewable energy, and is taking positive steps and we are supporting this by initiating and mobilising a wider participation from civil society,” Ong said in a statement.
The event that ends at 1pm will also feature a solar hybrid demonstration model created by renewable energy solutions provider Adrian Lasimbang of Era Wira Sdn Bhd, a beach clean-up and a Zumba dance performance led by fitness instructor Michelle Koh.
Green SURF registered its Say YES To Renewable Energy event with 350.org, an international grassroots campaign aimed at mobilising people to bring carbon dioxide emissions back down to and below the scientifically-determined safe level of 350 parts per million (ppm), from the current 391ppm level.
Ong said Green SURF’s effort to take part in the global event is in line with the coalition’s plans to facilitate renewable energy projects in Sabah, and nationwide.
“With our wide network, we are in the position to become a movement that offers solutions. We are already spearheading exciting renewable energy projects including a Southeast Asia Clean Energy Summit in 2012,” she said.
To learn more about the event, visit the “Say YES to Renewable Energy!” page on Facebook, or email the organisers at nocoal.sabah@gmail.com. To read about 350.org’s Moving Planet, visit www.moving-planet.org.
***
Sunday, July 24, 2011
NEW TARIFF REASON TO PUSH FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY, SAYS GREEN SURF
PRESS RELEASE
KOTA KINABALU (24th July 2011): Renewable energy must be given a shot in the arm following the new pricing for electricity that kicked in for Sabah and Labuan on July 15, Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) said today.
The recommendation comes in wake of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd’s (SESB) new pricing structure that promotes efficient use of power, lessening the Government’s burden in providing subsidies for ever increasing fuel costs and addressing the depletion of fossil fuel resources.
Green SURF’s call is in line with the viability of renewable energy options that the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL) at the University of California in Berkeley prepared last year. The coalition of non-governmental organisations had commissioned the RAEL report at the height of its opposition towards a proposed coal-fired power plant for the state.
Coalition spokesperson Cynthia Ong said the report advocates the phasing out of costly fossil-fuel subsidies which distort energy markets and provide them an unfair advantage over unsubsidized renewable energy resources.
“According to the report which we made public and even sent to Parliament, restructuring incentives for generation of power from fossil-fuels including oil and gas, will make renewable energy options more cost competitive and stimulate increased clean energy development.
“It is clear from SESB’s own statement that the tariff restructuring carried out by them was linked to Government subsidies for rising fuel costs.
“Sabah is in the position to push renewable energy forward given our global standing as one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, but we need support from the Federal Government which is in control of energy matters. We are willing to work with the Government and SESB on this,” she said in a statement.
Green SURF decided to share its views on the recent power tariff hike, the first by SESB in 25 years, following queries from the public on what the coalition thought of the issue.
The coalition also received feedback from the author of the RAEL report, Professor Dan Kammen who is now at the World Bank as its Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, over SESB’s decision to introduce a new tariff.
Kammen said a recent systematic study of fossil fuel subsidies showed that it primarily benefitted the more affluent energy consumers.
He said the joint World Bank and International Energy Agency report concluded that “phasing out fossil fuel subsidies represents a triple-win solution” and that it would enhance energy security, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and bring immediate economic gains.
Meanwhile, to strengthen its case, Green SURF also made reference to the REN21 publication “Renewables 2011: Global Status Report” released this month which stated that at the end of last year, renewables delivered close to a fifth of the world’s power supply.
***
KOTA KINABALU (24th July 2011): Renewable energy must be given a shot in the arm following the new pricing for electricity that kicked in for Sabah and Labuan on July 15, Green SURF (Sabah Unite to Re-Power the Future) said today.
The recommendation comes in wake of Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd’s (SESB) new pricing structure that promotes efficient use of power, lessening the Government’s burden in providing subsidies for ever increasing fuel costs and addressing the depletion of fossil fuel resources.
Green SURF’s call is in line with the viability of renewable energy options that the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL) at the University of California in Berkeley prepared last year. The coalition of non-governmental organisations had commissioned the RAEL report at the height of its opposition towards a proposed coal-fired power plant for the state.
Coalition spokesperson Cynthia Ong said the report advocates the phasing out of costly fossil-fuel subsidies which distort energy markets and provide them an unfair advantage over unsubsidized renewable energy resources.
“According to the report which we made public and even sent to Parliament, restructuring incentives for generation of power from fossil-fuels including oil and gas, will make renewable energy options more cost competitive and stimulate increased clean energy development.
“It is clear from SESB’s own statement that the tariff restructuring carried out by them was linked to Government subsidies for rising fuel costs.
“Sabah is in the position to push renewable energy forward given our global standing as one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, but we need support from the Federal Government which is in control of energy matters. We are willing to work with the Government and SESB on this,” she said in a statement.
Green SURF decided to share its views on the recent power tariff hike, the first by SESB in 25 years, following queries from the public on what the coalition thought of the issue.
The coalition also received feedback from the author of the RAEL report, Professor Dan Kammen who is now at the World Bank as its Chief Technical Specialist for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, over SESB’s decision to introduce a new tariff.
Kammen said a recent systematic study of fossil fuel subsidies showed that it primarily benefitted the more affluent energy consumers.
He said the joint World Bank and International Energy Agency report concluded that “phasing out fossil fuel subsidies represents a triple-win solution” and that it would enhance energy security, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and bring immediate economic gains.
Meanwhile, to strengthen its case, Green SURF also made reference to the REN21 publication “Renewables 2011: Global Status Report” released this month which stated that at the end of last year, renewables delivered close to a fifth of the world’s power supply.
***
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