THE state government is aware that quarry industry plays a vital role in the construction industry.
This was conveyed by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the Penang Quarries Association (PQA) 14th annual dinner held at G Hotel tonight.
“There can be no development without quarrying activities, but we need to have proper guidelines and governance to lessen the ecological degradation.
“As preciously pointed out by Mr Saw Kok Peng (president of PQA), the word ‘green’ in the Penang2030 vision signifies the state government’s emphasis on a balanced development.
“The government and the industry (quarry) need to work together so that we respect each other and value each other’s contribution to the society,” Chow added.
Also present was the Department of Mineral and Geoscience for Penang, Kedah and Perlis director Azhari Ahmad.
“Mr Azhari has been in contact with the state government due to several issues that need to be addressed together, namely the need for additional quarry inspectors in Penang.
“I think the Penang government is willing and ready to support the department by supporting the appointment of additional quarry inspectors so that they (quarry inspectors) can conduct their inspection at the various quarries throughout the northern region.
“The director also told me that probably an office of the department might be set up in Penang to look after the quarries and the operators here in Penang,” he said.
Chow stated that the Penang government welcomed the suggestion by the PQA on building a jetty on the mainland for a smooth transportation of the construction materials.
“This is to avoid traffic woes concerning lorries that carry the construction materials,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud