A SUBSIDIARY of the Sabah Economic Development Corporation has been officially entrusted with managing all river and sea sand resources in the state, following the handover of initial Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) migration data.
SEDCO Mining Sdn Bhd received the data from the Land and Survey Department during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
“This marks the start of a new phase in how Sabah manages its natural resources.
“We will carry out this mandate with integrity, transparency, and commitment to sustainable practices,” said SEDCO Mining Sdn Bhd CEO, Shamsul Bahri Johari, on Wednesday.
The move fulfils a Sabah Cabinet directive issued in 2009 mandating SEDCO to regulate sand extraction in the state.
SEDCO Mining was formed in August 2023 and began active operations in 2024.
“As the sole entity managing river and sea sand concessions, we aim to streamline operations, plug revenue leakages, and ensure our rivers and coasts are protected from over-extraction,” said Shamsul.
He said the centralised approach will lead to better revenue collection, stricter environmental safeguards, and improved operational efficiency through modern monitoring systems.
“Mining processes will be more strictly regulated to ensure environmental sustainability and reduce the impact of erosion and river pollution.
“At the same time, we will ensure existing qualified vendors continue to have a role to play,” he said.
Also present, State Natural Resources Secretary, Sernam Singh, and SEDCO Group General Manager Datuk James Wong Kein Peng. – March 27, 2025
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