Malaysia: Melaka orders halt to sand mining, forest product harvesting

Bernama New Straits Times 11 Jun 18;

MELAKA: The Melaka state government has ordered all sand mining activities as well as harvesting of forest products to stop effective July 1 to ensure sustainability of the environment for future generations.

Chief Minister Adly Zahari said the move was aimed at addressing problems related to the destruction of the state’s natural resources as well as an alternative in boosting the country’s economy.

“The revenue we collected from the activities is only about RM900,000 while the cleaning and drainage management works cost RM33 million. This decision is for the sake of future generations.

“The move to stop sand mining only affects land activities without involving coastal sand reclamation projects,” he told reporters after attending the Melaka state government monthly assembly here today.

At the same event, four local authority heads as well as 84 councillors took their oaths of office. The four were Melaka City Council mayor Datuk Azmi Hussain, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council president Mahani Masban, Alor Gajah Municipal Council president Zamzuri Arifin, and Jasin Municipal Council president Mustaffa Ali.

Meanwhile, Adly also announced an allocation of RM3,000 per month each for opposition state assemblymen, to acknowledge the mandate given them by the people.

“The state government has also appointed 29 new faces to spearhead state agencies and subsidiaries for a smooth state administration system following the terminations and new appointments made on June 1,” he said. — BERNAMA


End to logging in Melaka
The Star 12 Jun 18;

MELAKA: Logging and sand mining activities in the state will cease July 1 when permits issued for the activities expire at the end of this month, said Chief Minister Adly Zahari.

He said the decision was made during a state exco meeting after comparing the benefits and disadvantages of such activities to the state and its people.

He said the state government received about RM900,000 from issuing licences to sand mining operators across the state.

“However, we have to spend up to RM33mil to clean up polluted rivers and drainage systems for which the sand mining and deforestation activities are partly to blame,” he said after attending the state’s civil servants monthly assembly at Seri Negeri in Ayer Keroh here.

On the sea reclamation activities, Adly said the state government was evaluating the number of projects approved, underway, and those that have yet to begin before making a decision.

He said they also formed a committee to discuss with the developer the mega Melaka Gateway project in Pulau Melaka, Banda Hilir.

“We want to see the latest status of the project and future plans.

“Only then we can decide what to do concerning the project,” he said.

On another matter, Adly said the state government has agreed to give RM3,000 in monthly contributions to all Barisan Nasional assemblymen to operate their centres.

He said the contribution was to recognise the Opposition’s role in serving the local communities.

Adly also presented appointment letters to Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Azmi Hussain, Alor Gajah Municipal Council (MPAG) president Zamzuri Arifin, Jasin Municipal Council (MPJ) president Mustaffa Ali and Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (MPHTJ) president Mahani Masban who took their oath of office during the assembly.

A total of 24 MBMB council members, MPAG (20), MPJ (24) and MPHTJ (20) also took their oath of office and received their letters of appointment from Adly.