By Naeem Raffi
SHAH ALAM, Oct 31 — Quarrying operations in the state are required to adhere to the conditions set by the Selangor Forestry Department (JPNS) and any relevant technical agencies, to control their impact on the environment.
State executive councillor for the environment Hee Loy Sian said approval to operate is based on certain criteria, including environmental issues, safety matters, recovery efforts, and the applying company's background.
"Essentially, approvals are made after taking into account both the demand for rock materials for developments in Selangor, as well as sustainability, reducing environmental impact, controlling the production rate of rock materials, and reducing congestion on production roads," he said in a statement today.
Hee added that only 16 out of 44 applications have been approved, during the screening process from August 22 to August 25, 2016.
The Selangor State Executive Council (MMKN), per JPNS' recommendations, granted approval to 16 companies for quarry operations in Bukit Lagong, which was carried out in phases. Eight quarries were granted approval in 2020, and eight more for 2023.
"The decision to approve quarrying operations is based on the aforementioned criteria, instead of claims otherwise by certain parties attempting to bring about negative perceptions," he said.
The councillor added the location of existing Bukit Lagong quarrying operations are an estimated 3km away from the Orang Asli community.
The location of newly-approved quarrying operations is located 9km away, which contradicts the claims made by some parties.
Hee said the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve has been classified as a production forest, since its gazettement as a permanent forest reserve in 1917.
"At present, there are eight quarries in operation throughout all permanent reserve forests in Selangor over a 30-year period, beginning in 1993.
"Their operating period will gradually end from 2023 onwards, which is next year," he said.
