GEORGE TOWN, May 7 — The Wanita MCA has asked the Penang government to explain the issuance of quarrying permits to several companies and hillside clearing projects in Seberang Perai Selatan since 2008.

Its chief, Tan Cheng Liang, said the previous state government had issued three permits for quarrying projects in the area and the number had increased since the opposition pact ruled Penang.

“We find six additional permits have been issued for quarrying projects and development of hillsides since four years ago.

“An explanation needs to be given because the mission of the DAP-led state government is ‘Clean, Green and Safe’. So, how many quarries and hillside development projects are there in Seberang Prai Selatan?” she told reporters here, today.

She said the development of hillsides was the reason for landslides in several areas.

Tan claimed that more than 300 lorries from quarrying companies regularly used several main roads around Seberang Perai Selatan, thus posing a danger to other road users.

“The earth-laden lorries use public roads, which pass through schools and housing estates. In two years, three accidents, involving the lorries from the quarries and other road users, had taken place. The state government must be responsible,” she said.

Tan said hillside clearing activities had become more rampant since Pakatan Rakyat took over the state government.

The state government must review several quarrying projects, which threatened the forest eco-system, especially in Bukit Tambun, Nibong Tebal and Tasek, she added. — Bernama