An extraordinary loud explosion that occurred in Batu Kawan recently, believed to have originated from a quarry nearby, has alarmed residents. The local communities in this area, including residents of Bandar Cassia, were shocked by the explosion that rocked the whole neighbourhood.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia urges the Penang state government, Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP), Seberang Perai Selatan District and Land Office, Lands and Mines Office, Royal Malaysian Police, and the Minerals and Geosciences Department to disclose to the public the findings of their investigation.

Local residents told Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) that the quarry project has been in operation for several years and explosives used to break boulders on Sept 23, 2016 had produced a loud sound.

The residents also claimed that there are cracks in the walls of their homes most likely due to the impact of the quarry blast. What concerns them is that there are also cracks in some parts of the walls in a school building in the township.

SAM is concerned that if this matter is not dealt with immediately, public safety will be threatened, in addition to adverse effects on the environment. The effectiveness of enforcement by the authorities is also questioned.

In this regard SAM urges that the quarry permit be suspended and not renewed because of the issues that arise and in view of dwindling of this natural resource.

SM MOHAMED IDRIS is president, Sahabat Alam Malaysia.