Expired permit but mining continues
By Stephanie Sta Maria, B Nantha Kumar and Patrick Lee, Free Malaysia Today
SEPANG: Jenderam Hilir is a solitary spread of land in Sepang with the nondescript Langat river running past it. Like many such areas, it has vast empty spaces which boast an abundance of sand. In other words, a choice location for sand-mining operations.
FMT visited Sepang earlier this week, following reports of possible illegal sand-mining activities there. Within a short drive to the district, a large signboard loomed indicating a sand-washing project being carried out in Kampung Sungai Buah.
The signboard belonged to Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB), the Selangor-owned sand-mining company currently being investigated for allegations of corruption.
While nothing was amiss at the mentioned site, a quick chat with the workers hinted that “suspicious activities” were being carried out at another site nearby. That site was Jenderam Hilir.
Like Kampung Sungai Buah, the entrance into Jenderam Hilir was also fronted by a KSSB signboard. Unlike it, however, the contractor’s name was left blank and the permit had expired on March 7.
A drive deep into the area revealed that operations were still in full swing. Heavy machinery were digging up sand from the river bed and numerous mounds of sand were already being stockpiled on its banks.
