AG's Report 2015: 20.5% more quarries in the last three years

PETALING JAYA: The 2015 Auditor-General's report (Series 2) pointed a 20.5% increase in the number of quarries operating in the country over a three-year period.
Auditor-General Tan Sri Ambrin Buang said that there has been an increase of 64 quarries within the period.
Pointing out that the overall management of the quarries to be satisfactory, Ambrin however noted several weaknesses concerning the control of buffer zone, dust pollution control, siltation pond maintenance and waste disposal which did not comply with stipulated regulations.
In the report which was released today, Ambrin also said that there was also "unsatisfactory quarrying activities with regards to shut and abandoned quarries as well as the maintenance of explosive magazines."
In addition, he also pointed out weaknesses including unplanned land usage resulting in quarries operating beyond approved areas, lack of proper monitoring and enforcement among state governments that do not impose State Quarry Rules and unrevised royalty rates in the past 10 years.
As such, Ambrin recommended the collaboration and coordination between the relevant departments and related agencies to better control buffer zones and conserve the surrounding environment.
He called on the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and state governments to work together in adopting State Quarry Rules that regulate quarrying activities within each state.