It is reported that environmentalists have won a victory in a battle to prevent 300 MW coal fired power plant being built in Malaysian Borneo with a minister rejecting the plan due to environmental concerns.

Mr Masidi Manjun state environment minister of Sabah said that proponents of the project now have the choice to either drop the controversial power project or launch an appeal to conduct another environmental assessment study. At this point of time, all quarters should respect the Department of Environment decision.

The 300 MW plant in Lahad Datu, in Sabah state which along with Sarawak makes up Malaysia's half of Borneo island would face the Coral Triangle which is one of the world's most bio diverse marine environments. The area, which spans the seas around East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands is home to 75% of all known coral species.

Environmentalists immediately hailed the decision. Opposition was led by Green Surf a coalition of groups including the Malaysian Nature Society, which said the plant would displace villagers and threaten endangered species including orangutans and Bornean rhinos.

(Sourced from www.powergenworldwide.com)