Malaysia’s Mahathir bans sea sand exports to Singapore, in major blow to city state’s expansion plans

Singapore relies on sea sand to complete its ambitious expansion plans, such as the Tuas ‘mega port’ – slated to be the world’s biggest container terminal

But sources say Mahathir was upset that Malaysia’s land was being used to increase the size of its wealthier neighbour

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A sand dredger, of the type used to reclaim land in Singapore. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 5:03pm, 3 Jul 2019Updated: 8:22pm, 3 Jul 2019

Malaysia, Singapore’s biggest source for sea sand, has banned the export of the commodity, according to officials in Kuala Lumpur, a move that traders said could complicate the city state’s ambitious expansion plans on reclaimed land.

Those plans include the development of the Tuas “mega port”, slated to be the world’s biggest container terminal. Singapore has increased its land area by a quarter since independence in 1965, mostly by using sand to reclaim coastal areas.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Photo: DPA

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who came to power in a shock election win last year, imposed a ban on all sea sand exports on October 3, according to two senior government sources with direct knowledge of the decision.

The government sources, asking not to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Mahathir was upset that Malaysia’s land was being used to increase the size of its wealthier neighbour. He was also concerned corrupt Malaysian officials were benefiting from the secretive business.

Endie Shazlie Akbar, Mahathir’s press secretary, confirmed that the government had put a stop to sand exports last year. However, he denied that it was aimed at curbing Singapore’s expansion plans, saying it was a move to clamp down on illegal sand smuggling.

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