In a shocking turn of events, Malaysian activist, Lim Wei Jie, was arrested earlier this week over his report on China-backed Forest City’s alleged plans to build a casino in Johor. The arrest has sparked outrage among the local community and drawn attention to the controversial development project.
Lim Wei Jie, a well-known environmental activist and member of the Save Johor Coalition, had been investigating the Forest City project for months. The development, which is backed by Chinese investors, has been a source of contention among environmentalists and local residents who fear the negative impact it could have on the environment and local communities.
According to Lim Wei Jie’s report, which was published on a local news website, he had uncovered evidence that the developers of Forest City were planning to build a casino within the development. The report also alleged that the developers had received backing from Chinese investors with ties to the Chinese government.
The report quickly gained traction online, prompting a swift response from the authorities. On Tuesday, Lim Wei Jie was arrested by the police on charges of spreading false information and inciting unrest. The arrest has been widely criticized by human rights activists and environmental groups, who see it as an attempt to silence dissent and cover up the truth about the Forest City project.
In a statement released by his lawyer, Lim Wei Jie maintained his innocence and vowed to continue fighting for the protection of the environment and the rights of local communities. He called on the Malaysian government to investigate the allegations made in his report and hold the developers of Forest City accountable for their actions.
The Forest City project, which spans over 1,300 hectares of reclaimed land in the Johor Strait, has been controversial since its inception. Critics have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the massive development, as well as its potential to exacerbate social and economic inequalities in the region.
The arrest of Lim Wei Jie has only added fuel to the fire, with many now calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations made in his report. As the controversy surrounding the Forest City project continues to grow, it remains to be seen what the future holds for this contentious development and the activists fighting to hold its developers accountable.