Perak MB Inc defends sand mining operations

Perak's Menteri Besar Incoporated (MB Inc) defends its sand mining operations as being in compliance with all rules and regulations set by the relevant government agencies.

"MB Inc has consistently ensured that any mining activities carried out does not create adverse impact to the environment and the livelihood of fishermen and farmers.

"We strongly refute any allegation that mining activities in Perak are being conducted with no regulatory oversight," it said in a statement today.

This was in response to a column by Mariam Mokhtar that was critical of the state's sand mining operations.

Mariam in her piece wrote that sand mining activities were only harmful to the environment but also affected the livelihoods of fishermen, as sand dredging exposed rocks and crags that can damage fishing nets.

Perak MB Inc said it was in constant consultation with the state's Drainage and Irrigation Department and the Malaysian Fisheries Department to mitigate risks to fisherman and farmers along riverbanks.

It added the main river basins in the state require yearly maintenance to ensure its morphology and hydrology was optimal.

"For example, the extraction of sand has to be carried out in Sungai Kerian, Sungai Bidor, Sungai Kinta and Sungai Pelus to avoid flooding due to its shallow riverbeds.

"The sand extraction activities in these rivers help to mitigate flooding disasters which could create bigger damages to properties and agricultural crops along the riverbanks.

"Sand mining activities in these rivers also help the water treatment plants operated by Perak Water Board along the riverbank to function well without disruptions," it said.

MB Inc said its strict safety operating procedures also help generate and maintain economic activities, including freshwater fish farming.

It said a mining blueprint was published by the corporation which acts as both reference and guideline for mining activities and development in the state. - Mkini