SEREMBAN: All quarry operators in Negri Sembilan have two weeks to implement measures to limit dust emissions and pollution or face enforcement action such as permit suspension and revocation.
Negri Sembilan Land and Mines Office director Mohd Faizal Abdul Manap said the directive follows monitoring by state authorities, which revealed that dust emissions and pollution are still occurring at quarries.
He said the situation poses environmental risks to surrounding areas and creates public nuisance and safety hazards for road users, especially along major highways.
"Among the required measures are ensuring controlled rock blasting, regular water spraying and fully covering all lorries leaving quarry premises with suitable canvas or tarpaulin," he told Bernama on Thursday (Sept 3).
Mohd Faizal added that operators must keep dust suppression systems in good working order, ensure they operate effectively and maintain them regularly.
He said these measures are crucial to prevent dust, soil, rock particles and other quarrying materials from spilling or polluting surrounding areas.
Mohd Faizal warned that failure to comply with the directive would breach quarry permit or licence conditions and land conditions, allowing authorities to suspend or revoke operating permits.
He said there are more than 10 operating quarries in Negri Sembilan and all operators must strictly adhere to the stipulated conditions.
Mohd Faizal said his office received public complaints about air pollution and heavy dust emissions from quarrying activities in Labu, which disrupted daily life for local residents.
He emphasised the state government will not compromise on public safety, health and environmental protection despite the quarrying sector contributing RM20mil to RM40mil annually to state revenue.
On Wednesday (Sept 2), Labu assemblyman Siti Nur Umaira Hasim took to Facebook to express concern over complaints from local residents about severe dust pollution from nearby quarries, posing public health and nuisance risks. – Bernama
