Arrests of Taman Cheras Hartamas residents

Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) condemns the arrest of residents who tried to halt the construction of high voltage pylons surrounding their residential areas (on 9 August 2016).

Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) disregarded the welfare of the local population when they failed to conduct proper consultation and discussion with local residents on the construction of high voltage pylons in close proximity with residential houses.

With no clear studies conducted on the long-term health impact of high voltage pylons in such proxmity and the lack of initiative in exploring alternative, it made it necessary for residents to peacefully protest and halt the project pending government intervention.

With the absence of any visible alternative, Taman Cheras Hartamas residents united to stand against the project and took measures to stop the project pending possible state intervention and a court injunction. Despite the peaceful nature of the measures adopted, five residents and the executive director of Suaram were arrested on the morning of 9 August 2016.

Suaram demands that the police immediately release all those detained and for TNB to immediately halt the project and conduct proper dialogues with the residents on the matter. Suaram also calls on the state government of Selangor to intervene and ensure that the welfare of the people is taken care of.

Residents arrested include:
1. Lam Guan Loong
2. Yim Ah Ming
3. Yap Ah Tai
4. Long Chef Chew
5. Tan Teck Chye

Sevan Doraisamy is executive director of Suaram.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.

AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama

1. Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
2. Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
3. Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
4. Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
5. Lawan rasuah dan kronisme

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