IPOH: No logging or quarry activities are currently taking place near Teluk Akuan in Manjung, and the reported pollution was caused by a landslide at the overburden area of an old quarry following unusually heavy rain.
Perak science, environment and green technology committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said the quarry had ceased operations completely after failing to comply with mitigation measures set by the Environment Department.
He said the Perak Land and Mines Office has not issued any operating licence for the quarry and has ordered all activities to stop, with mitigation works carried out under the supervision of the department.
Teh said field inspections found that the affected area was former Segari Melintang Forest Reserve land that had been degazetted and previously used for quarry activities.
He said the landslide caused muddy water to flow into the coastal area and into Teluk Akuan during heavy rain, raising public concern.
Teh stressed that investigations confirmed there were no ongoing logging or quarry operations and that the incident was due to natural factors, including intense rainfall over a short period.
Earlier, Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (Kuasa) secretary Noor Ismady Ahmad Radzuan claimed that Teluk Akuan in Pantai Remis near Lumut remained polluted due to quarry activities despite operations having stopped in 2021, alleging that red soil and stones were found along waterways, the beach and a nearby waterfall. - Bernama
