‘Manjung seabed mining claims untrue'
IPOH: The Perak state government has refuted claims of seabed tin mining along the coast of the Sungai Batu estuary in Manjung after local fishermen raised their concerns.
During the state assembly winding-up speech yesterday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic) clarified that checks with the relevant authorities confirmed that no approvals had been granted for such activities.
'The Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia has confirmed that no Mining Operation Scheme Approval Letter has been issued.
'Any mining can only proceed with this official approval.'
Saarani said although a mining application has been submitted, it remains under review by the department, and no operational licence has been granted so far.
Saarani explained that the only ongoing activity in the area is silica sand mining carried out by a developer with valid approval.
He said the sand mining site is located about 5km from the turtle nesting grounds at Pantai Pasir Panjang.
Saarani also highlighted that the amended Manjung District Local Plan 2030 classifies the coastal zone as a Level 3 Environmentally Sensitive Area, which prohibits mining to protect marine life.
'This reflects the state government's commitment to safeguarding the environment and the livelihoods of local fishing communities.
'We will continue to monitor the area and will take immediate action against any unauthorised mining operations,' he said.
Back in February, over 1,500 fishermen had called on the authorities to cancel what they believed was an approved seabed mining project along the Manjung coastline.
During his speech, Saarani also defended the appointment of 26 special officers in opposition-held constituencies, saying the move should not cause any concern for those on the other side of the political divide.
He said the opposition claimed that the RM10,000 monthly allowance per officer, totalling over RM3.1mil annually, is an unnecessary burden on the state.
He also dismissed opposition claims of bias and misuse of public funds, noting that each officer receives a RM10,000 monthly allowance, similar to practices in states like Kedah and Kelantan.
'The policy (coordinators known at the time) was first approved in 2018 under then-MB Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, but I chose not to implement it immediately when I took office in 2020.
'The appointments aim to address service gaps and unresolved local issues, especially in opposition areas,' he said.
Saarani also pointed out that opposition assemblymen in Perak receive RM10,000 monthly each as their service centre allowance, more than their counterparts in other states.
'So do not accuse me of being unjust,' he added.
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