Venue: Grand Seasons Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
This manual is the result of a collaboration between the Malaysian Association of Social Impact Assessment and the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, K.L. It is very important that SIA is carried out for development projects that have an impact on the residents of the locality. There are cases where big projects have started construction without carrying out an SIA thus causing a public outcry because it has caused a lot of hardship to residents. Private landowners are angry because they were not consulted, neighbouring homeowners and businessess are also affected. This is the case of the MRT project from Sg. Buloh to Kajang where the line will pass through very near to existing residential area. The developer did not carry out an SIA study and now the residents are hauling the developer to court.
It has been the practice that the capitalist interests were given priority over the interest of the community. In the name of development traditional villages of Malays and Orang Asli were destroyed and people who had lived for many generations on that place are displaced and relocated. Well, sometimes its a matter of who has the power. It can be money power or military power. As in the case of the State of Israel, its their bombs, rockets, tanks and machine guns that have exterminated many Palestinians and razed down hundreds of years old Palestianian towns and villages. And in many capitalist countries its either the political power and/or money power that come first.
In urban areas, any undeveloped areas and old villages are potential areas for development. Huge, tall shopping complexes, office blocks, condominiums and the like will be taking over these areas. Developers are always looking out for any money making opportunities and then more and more money. They are greedy; their apetite for construction of more concrete jungle is insatiable. In Penang, many old kampongs are diminishing rapidly and the ones that are still standing have been eyed for new projects.
SIA is a tool that is necessary to minimize the discomfort and stress of the existing residents. Even if the residents were to be relocated, the voice of the people must be heard. The affected residents must be given the opportunity to give their views and opinions.
The following photos were taken during the teach-in session and this session was officiated by the Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Federal Town and Country Planning Department, Mr. Kamalruddin Shamsudin (He is also the President of MASIA). And one of the speakers is Dr. Dahlia Rosly who is also the Deputy Director General (Development) of the same Dept.(The good doctor is also the Vice President of MASIA).
In pursuit of the capitalistic dreams one must never brush aside the needs and comfort of the existing residents.
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