Time to stop sand exports

WE refer to the recent media reports on the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry issuing 11 approved permits (APs) for river sand exports. It was stated that the AP holders are allowed to export river sand and other minerals to Brunei, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, India, Japan and the Maldives.

Concerned about the impacts of sand mining on the environment and people, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) is calling for a total ban on sand exports and revocation of all the approved permits.