WHEN the public come across quarry activities, they usually have a bad impression of them because of the arising noise pollution and environmental issues.
This is considered to be the normal response following the many negative reports and feedback gathered concerning quarry activities.
However, Buletin Mutiara was given a better understanding of quarry activities during an opportunity to visit FYS Marketing Sdn Bhd’s granite quarry site at Taman Mutiara Jaya, Bukit Mertajam recently.
During the visit, an hour-long indoor briefing was held to explain the importance of the quarry industry and its benefits to the people’s lives and development.
FYS Marketing Sdn Bhd chairman Zeems Foo Kheng Sin said aggregates, such as gravel, crushed stone, sand, slag and recycled concrete, are an important element for the construction industry.
He said aggregates could help people to develop infrastructure, construct roads, and improve the quality of life.
“There will be no development if there is no quarry site.
“The people’s knowledge of quarry is lacking and we can’t blame them as quarry activities are not exposed and well explained to the public.
“In order to change people’s mindset, we have launched a new concept, which is known as ‘quarry tourism’. This concept helps us to change the people’s perception towards the danger of quarry.
“For instance, we have a few zones in our quarry site, ranging from leisure to danger sites.
“In our leisure site, you can find a greenhouse, bee farm and garden. We welcome the public to visit this site from Monday to Saturday.
“They can spend time with their families and friends visiting the place. On top of that, they can explore the green lung that can be found at the quarry.
“We believe that we are the first site to introduce such concept in the country.
“Through this effort in creating such an environment, the public can have a better understanding of quarry sites,” he told Buletin Mutiara.
Foo pointed out that many quarries
are restricted areas and people would not have the chance to go inside.
He, however, said his company welcomes visitors so that the public can gain a better insight.
“We are doing something different to change the people’s mindset and perception,” he added.
The company was founded by Foo’s father in the 1960s and it is currently managed by the family.
He also went on to explain that the residents in the neighbourhood were understandable after explanations were given to them.
“We need to explore the benefits of quarry activities to at least change the public’s perception,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis