Regency suspends sand quarrying

JAKARTA (JP): The Riau administration has halted sand quarrying and sand exports to Singapore indefinitely, regent Muhammad Sani announced on Monday.

The regent said that the suspension, effective as from early July, was aimed at improving the regulation of the regency's sand industry, which he blamed to have caused severe environmental damage.

Poor licensing procedures and supervision had enabled some irresponsible sand companies to freely operate in the area without any environmental awareness, he said.

The move was also expected to prop up sand prices, he said.

"We have made the move to help restore the environment and to raise sand prices," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Muhammad said during the suspension period, the administration would select companies that would be allowed to continue operating.

"Any companies daring to continue operating during the period of suspension will have their licenses revoked," he said.

Sand is one of the regency's main exports and is virtually all exported to Singapore to support the island state's construction sector. (05)