Loud Explosion from Batu Kawan Quarry Raises Concerns

An extraordinary loud explosion that occurred in Batu Kawan recently, believed to have originated from a quarry nearby has alarmed residents here. The local communities in this area, including residents of Bandar Cassia were shocked by the explosion that rocked the whole neighborhood.

Sahabat Alam Malaysia urges the Penang State Government, Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai (MPSP), Seberang Perai Selatan District and Land Office, Land and Mines Office, Royal Malaysian Police, Mineral and Geosciences Department to disclose to the public the findings of their investigation.

Local residents told SAM that the quarry project has been in operation for several years and explosives used to break boulders on 23 September 2016 had produced a loud sound.

The residents here also claimed that there are cracks in the walls of their homes most likely due to impact of the quarry blast. What concerns them is that there are also cracks in some parts of the walls in a school building in this township.

SAM is concerned that if this matter is not dealt with immediately, public safety will be threatened, in addition to adverse effects on the environment. The effectiveness of enforcement by the authorities is also questioned.

In this regard SAM urges that the quarry permit is suspended and not renewed because of the issues that arise and in view of dwindling of this natural resource.

Press Statement, 26 September 2016