Once again, sand dredging has become a rampant feature along the Kinabatangan River.

This follows numerous sightings of barges transporting vast amounts of sand over the past two weeks.

Kinabatangan Orang Utan Conservation Project Honorary Wildlife chief warden Azri Sawang said, a check revealed the barges had authorisation letters from the state environmental protection department.

He said the local community was, nevertheless, confused as to why such environmentally-damaging activities such as sand dredging, were allowed by one department when other departments worked hard to protect the Kinabatangan floodplain.

"It is very confusing for us. On one hand, we hear time and time again, the government commitment to protect this area.

"Then, we find another department issuing letters that allow this type of destruction.

"As for us, we want to protect the Kinabatangan, so it weighs very heavy on us," he said in a statament today.

According to Azri, what is even more worrying is that at least three barges were spotted daily, with valid permits for a year-long sand dredging activity.

"The villagers who operate homestays and bed and breakfast have also asked us to investigate these barges, following complaints from guests.

"However, since they have proper permits, neither we nor the Sabah Wildlife Department is able to act.

"We understand that sometimes, laws overlap but parts of the Kinabatangan make up the wildlife sanctuary, and sand dredging is damaging to the environment, local community and wildlife," he noted.

Over the years, the state government has highlighted the importance of protecting the Kinabatangan, with the most recent call made by state tourism, culture and environment minister Masidi Manjun to the palm oil industry to donate land along the banks of the Kinabatangan for conservation.

- Bernama