Selangor’s handling of illegal sand mining is proof that Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim cannot manage the state's resources, said deputy premier Muhyiddin Yassin.

NONE Having traded barbs over the state’s management of water in recent days, the DPM has now shifted his crosshairs on illegal sand mining following recent coverage of the issue by the print media.

Muhyiddin ( left ) said the Selangor government should have strictly enforced the law and not allowed the resource be depleted.

“Such mismanagement is proof that Khalid cannot manage. He has advisors and specialists including one Anwar Ibrahim, who is the state adviser. However, he (Khalid) does not know how to manage,” said the deputy premier.

“This is only the sand issue. What is so difficult (about dealing with it? Just) arrest and take action against the culprits. The sand belongs to the state and the state should have looked after it.”

Raising the verbal stakes, Muhyiddin said that, should the state fail to act, it could be seen as collaborating with the offenders.

“In Islam, to collaborate is the same as (committing) the offence. That is in Islam. I do not know what PKR stands for as it has failed to take action on an issue as simple as this,” he said, hinting of corruption.

The public is concerned that sand is being mined illegally “probably to enrich someone”, he said, noting that the resource should be properly managed.

Physically impossible

Yesterday, Khalid had refuted claims that sand was being mined illegally in Kampung Olak Lempit, near Dengkil, as reported in the media.

taman wahyu illegal lorries 130405 sand area He revealed that the contractors were licensed, and refuted Khir Toyo's claims as physically impossible.

Khalid also pointed out that it only appeared that illegal sand mining activities was on the rise now, because such cases were not reported under the BN government in the past.

The Selangor MB also outlined the state’s strategy to end illegal mining of sand.

S'gor exco: Press should apologise for sand reports