Pahang Perikatan Nasional has raised concerns over serious sedimentation in the state’s rivers, warning that it poses safety risks to residents.
Its chairperson, Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man, also took issue with what he described as “inaccurate” and “inappropriate” remarks by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on sand exports.
He said Anwar’s statement appeared to suggest that remarks by Pahang Crown Prince Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah in the state assembly yesterday did not take macroeconomic realities into account.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is also PAS deputy president, said such a perception was not only inaccurate but also failed to reflect the sensitivity expected of a national leader towards the monarchy and conditions at the state level.
“In reality, many rivers in Pahang are now facing serious sand sedimentation, causing them to become wider but shallower.
“This increases the risk of water overflow and flooding, especially during the rainy season.
“As such, dredging and deepening works are an urgent necessity to reduce these risks,” he said in a statement today.
Crown prince ‘deeply disappointed’
Yesterday, Tengku Hassanal expressed concern over what he viewed as federal laws that were unfavourable to Pahang, despite the state being among the earliest to form the Federated Malay States.
“I am deeply disappointed that the federal government has not approved the Pahang government’s efforts to increase state revenue, such as through river sand exports.
“Given that Pahang has the longest river in Peninsular Malaysia, large amounts of sediment need to be removed to ensure smooth river flow and prevent flooding.
“In the past, we could generate tens of millions in state revenue through sand exports to other countries, but unfortunately, the federal government no longer allows this, even though land and sand resources belong to Pahang,” he said.
Anwar later said the government respects the Pahang crown prince and would ask Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan to provide a comprehensive explanation on allocations to the state soon.
According to Anwar, Tengku Hassanal would also be briefed on the country’s macroeconomic position, economic pressures, and issues of wastage across various sectors.
“As citizens, we respect and carefully consider the matter,” he said when asked to comment.
Late last night, Tengku Hassanal responded to the prime minister’s statement with a traditional Malay pantun.
He also reiterated Pahang’s position that the state should be given fair treatment and consideration.
Holistic view needed
Meanwhile, Tuan Ibrahim said river deepening efforts would incur high costs.
As such, PN believes that selling dredged sand is not only a practical way to offset those costs but also has the potential to increase state revenue legally and effectively.
“Unfortunately, the federal government’s restrictions on sand exports have affected these efforts.
“Without sufficient market channels, excess sand will continue to accumulate, worsening river conditions and increasing flood risks in the future.
“Therefore, this issue must be viewed holistically, not merely from an economic policy perspective. It involves state rights, public safety, and the need for prudent resource management,” he said.
Tuan Ibrahim, who is also the Pahang opposition leader, urged Putrajaya to review policies that restrict sand exports and to allow the state greater flexibility in managing its resources.
“Do not see sand purely as an economic commodity; it is also a public safety and flood management issue. When the voice of the state is not heard, it is ultimately the people who bear the consequences,” he said.
Responsible, sustainable management
Separately, Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government remains committed to ensuring that every source of state revenue is managed responsibly, sustainably, and in a manner that delivers the best returns for the state and its people.
“In this regard, to ensure that state revenue collection can continue to be enhanced, the state government hopes that the federal government can give due consideration to approving Pahang river sand exports,” Wan Rosdy said in a statement.
He said that, based on current estimates, sand reserves in Sungai Pahang could generate around RM500 million in revenue, with the potential to be used for various state development needs, including rural development, public housing, education, healthcare, and welfare initiatives.
“At the same time, controlled sand dredging activities would also benefit river management efforts by helping to deepen rivers, improve water flow, and reduce flood risks, especially during the monsoon season,” he said.
As such, Wan Rosdy said the state government will hold a meeting with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry to find the best solution for all parties. - Mkini
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