T'ganu royalty-linked project sparks environmental concerns

Two months ago, “Pure Green Development Sdn Bhd” submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) to develop an oil palm plantation in the forests of the Kuala Nerus district in Terengganu.

And this project raised eyebrows.

Apart from the impact on the forests, concerns were raised in the EIA about potential flooding and effects on water supply during droughts.

Another piece of information also surfaced from the EIA - Pure Green belongs to Tengku Baderul Zaman, who is the brother of Terengganu ruler, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Baderul holds a 30 percent stake while Tan Khian Huat, Tam Piak Hock and Tam Tian Ting hold the remaining shares.

The EIA also revealed that the sultan, who owns a...