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KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government has terminated several mining lease companies, including those involved in gold and sand mining, for failing to comply with terms.
The breaches had a negative impact on the environment, water quality and good governance, according to Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.
He said the terminations were carried out after a comprehensive review and assessment of the companies' compliance by the state government and the Kelantan State Economic Development Corporation (PNINK),
He said the process also took into account the need to obtain approval for environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports, which takes a certain amount of time.
"So, in this case, the government is very concerned with the impact on the environment, and several companies have been terminated due to violations related to these issues,” he told the state assembly on Monday (Nov 10).
Datuk Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim (BN-Galas) had asked about mandatory monitoring mechanisms to prevent excessive suspended solids from affecting water quality, eco-tourism and consumer safety.
Fadzli, however, said that if there are companies suspected of violating the regulations, the public can immediately lodge reports, after which investigations will be carried out.
On Oct 2, the 8th Batallion of the General Operations Force (GOF) arrested 12 individuals, including a woman, for engaging in illegal gold mining activities at Sungai Kelaik, Gua Musang, involving seizures valued at about RM520,000.
Fadzli said five companies are in joint ventures with PKINK under active mining leases.
"The state government ensures that these companies comply with the stipulated mining lease regulations, operate responsibly and contribute to the economic development and well-being of the local community.
"Continuous monitoring is also carried out to ensure that every mining activity is carried out safely, sustainably and in compliance with environmental standards,” he said. – Bernama
