Saarani showing the Perak budget blueprint before the state assembly sitting yesterday. —RONNIE CHIN/The Star
THERE have been five deaths while two others have sustained injuries at quarries in Perak since March 2022, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said four workers were killed during rockfalls while the fifth was killed after getting stuck under a lorry.
“One worker sustained light injuries during a rockfall in April while another was injured after a tyre burst in June,” he said.
He was responding to a question from V. Bavani (PH-Malim Nawar) during the question-and-answer session at the state assembly sitting yesterday.
Saarani said quarry operators required a Quarrying Scheme Approval Letter (SKSK) or Mining Operation Certificate Approval Letter (SKSPM), which were issued by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG).
“Applications for SKSK or SKSPM will be brought up for consideration through the Perak Quarry Advisory Committee, which was formed under the Perak Quarry Policy 2004 and jointly chaired by the state Land and Mines Department and JMG directors.
“The members include the Environment Department, Occupational Safety and Health Department, Forestry Department, Public Works Department, PlanMalaysia@Perak, the police, district office and relevant local authorities,” he said.
He disclosed that there had been nine incidents at quarries in the state in 2022 and 2023.
“The committee members meet four times annually.
“They will discuss incidents and complaints related to quarrying and mining operations, including fatal rockfall incidents,” he added.
To a supplementary question from Bavani on efforts by the state government to preserve and conserve limestone quarries, Saarani said applications would be thoroughly vetted.
He said it was among the terms and conditions before approval was given to operate a quarry.
“Their applications will be brought before the Land and Mines Department, which will get technical views from the Public Works Department and JMG,” he said.
