Marine clay exports denied

We refer to your article "Plans to import discarded Singaporean clay questioned" on Dec. 28, 1998.

We would like to reiterate that the Singapore Ministry of the Environment (ENV) has not granted approval to any Singapore or Indonesian company to export excavated materials, including marine clay, to Indonesia for the mangrove rehabilitation project at Teluk Pelambung in Riau.

We would also like to inform you that it is not true that there is an agreement between BAPEDAL and ENV to allow marine clay or any excavated materials to be exported to Indonesia as a mangrove growing medium in Teluk Pelambung. It is also not true that the Singapore government will pay for the export of marine clay and excavated materials to Indonesia.

LOW PIT CHEN

First Secretary

Embassy of the Republic of Singapore

Jakarta