Why are mining activities continuing if no licences were issued?

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Mining Activities Continue Despite Lack of Licenses in Tasik Chini

Mining activities have reportedly continued in the Tasik Chini area even though it has been claimed that no mining licences were issued after the site was gazetted as a biosphere reserve in 2019. This situation has raised questions regarding the oversight and enforcement of regulations concerning land use and conservation in the protected area. Despite statements from the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources indicating that new approvals for sand and mineral mining have been stopped, concerns persist about ongoing operations.
Questions Raised by Parliamentary Representatives

Members of Parliament have voiced significant concerns about the apparent contradiction between the gazetting of Tasik Chini as a biosphere reserve and the continuation of mining operations. Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik specifically questioned the rationale behind allowing mining activities if no new licences were granted post-2019. This sentiment was echoed by Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, who also highlighted a lack of a comprehensive management or sustainability plan for Tasik Chini since its declaration as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve in 2019.
Unesco Periodical Review Highlights Land Conversion

A Unesco periodical review of Tasik Chini has noted a substantial increase in newly cleared forest areas and intensive land conversion. These developments are seen as posing a threat to the conservation efforts at Tasik Chini. The review indicates that the area no longer meets the criteria to be part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, prompting Unesco to set a deadline of September 30 for Malaysian authorities to outline their plans for the site's restoration.
Government Stance on Mining Approvals

On August 3, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan, stated that all activities potentially impacting Tasik Chini, including new approvals for sand and mineral mining, have been halted. This directive was reportedly issued to ensure the conservation and restoration of Tasik Chini to maintain its biosphere reserve status. However, the continued reports of mining activities suggest a gap between policy statements and on-the-ground implementation.

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Why are mining activities continuing if no licences were issued?

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