ALOR STAR – The Kedah government will ensure that the waters of Sg Tupah in the Yan district is not polluted by quarry operations in the area.
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor told the State Legislative Assembly today that inspections by various agencies were conducted at the quarry site on August 23.
The inspection team comprised personnel from the state Land and Minerals Department, Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Minerals and Geoscience Department and Department of Environment.
The inspection was to check Sg Tupah’s water quality near the quarry.
Sanusi said that two quarry companies are operating along Sg Tupah in Merbok, namely Bestagold Resources Sdn Bhd and Red Land Quarry, which ceased operations in April this year.
Bestagold’s permit is, however, valid until February next year.
He added that spot checks will be conducted by the relevant agencies to ensure the quarry operations do not contaminate the river water, which is also a source of drinking water for residents.
On August 20, the Kedah government had announced plans to build a riverside water catchment project in Sg Tupah to store raw water flowing in the river from Gunung Jerai, Yan.
Sanusi said there are two such projects and plans are afoot to build another one to maximise water storage for residents in Merbok. – The Vibes, September 23, 2021
