Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim described Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin’s evasive statement on the issue of illegal sand mining as “shocking and irresponsible”.

NONE “Such a high-handed attitude is uncalled for as all law enforcement agencies and prosecuting powers are under the purview and control of the federal government,” said Khalid ( right ).

He was responding to the deputy premier’s remark yesterday that the state should use its own “wisdom” in tackling the sand mining issue instead of seeking assistance from the federal government.

According to Muhyiddin, the federal government has no jurisdiction over matters concerning land and water.

“I am sad and surprised to see a federal minister washing his hands from taking responsibility on security and law enforcement which are in the hands of the federal government.

“The least he could do was to initiate a discussion with the police to ensure that sand theft can be stopped and eliminated,” lamented Khalid.

Details of sand miners in Selangor revealed

Meanwhile, the state has released the details of sand mining companies that were given permits from 2005 to 2007, under the administration of then menteri besar Mohd Khir Toyo.

azlan In a statement from the state secretariat issued by Khalid’s office, it said that 158 permits were issued for the three years, that is 49 permits in 2005, 48 permits in 2006 and 61 permits in 2007.

“From the total, 33 permits were given to individuals in their names of their companies.”

Also attached was a document containing the list of companies awarded the permit according to the districts.

It explained that permits were issued by six District Land Offices in Kuala Langat, Hulu Langat and Kuala Selangor as well as Petaling, Hulu Selangor and Gombak.

“Before 2008, the procedure permits the District Land Office to prepare a summary paper on the application made to mine the sand and sent to the Land and Mines Office (PTG).

“The application is then sent to the Stone Materials Technical Permit Committee for consultation and suggestions. Permits are issued only after approval of the Permanent Committee for Development of Land (Sand),” said the statement.

KSSB issues permits via open tender

This comes in light of the state’s fight against illegal sand miners and report presented recently in connection with the rogue activities.

However, ever since Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB), wholly owned by the state, was formed the permits are still issued by the District Land Offices but only to KSSB.

It further explained that the state’s company will then apply to the land administrator and only after the application is approved by the state executive council, the mining permit will be given via open tenders to “experienced and well-equipped” companies.

KSSB will make royalty payments to the state government as with any other company.

“This way, mining on government land will be controlled unlike before 2008 when only the KSSB was given the permit by the land administrator.

“Selangor’s government has not only managed to the reduce the widespread sand theft which occurred before 2008 but it has also increased revenue and royalties”.