GEORGE TOWN: The seabed in the state is in critical state following undersea sand mining activities claims Penang Barisan Nasional.
State opposition leader Datuk Jahara Hamid said that the undersea mining activities had become rampant in recent years, severely damaging the marine ecosystem.
"Once it is continuously mined, our ecosystem will be destroyed! The state government will not admit (it) but the fact is, it is happening.
"The mining activities are visible as mudflats and mangroves were also cleared. Immediate action must be taken to make sure Penang is not destroyed," she said in a press conference outside State Legislative Assembly hall on Monday.
However, she did not reveal the exact location of the mining activities but instead said she will invite the media to visit the area.
State Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, however, refuted the claim.
He said the state government have been very strict and so far there have been no reports of illegal undersea sand mining activities.
"She must show, if she is sincere about it. Report the matter to us (state government)," he said.
Phee then pointed out that in the past; there have been cases of illegal sand mining activities in Jahara’s constituency while BN was in power.
He said that he had raised the issue in 2004 and 2007 but Jahara never responded to the issue.