Singapore imported 59 million tonnes of sand from Malaysia in 2018, at a cost of US$347 million. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia draws a line over sea sand exports – but says ban wasn’t aimed at Singapore
- The Mahathir administration says it stopped exporting sea sand to any countries last year over environmental concerns
- The government is trying to downplay a report saying the embargo was in response to neighbouring Singapore’s vast reclamation plans
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Malaysia
Singapore imported 59 million tonnes of sand from Malaysia in 2018, at a cost of US$347 million. Photo: Reuters
A sand dredger, of the type used to reclaim land in Singapore. Photo: Xinhua
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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Singapore
A sand dredger, of the type used to reclaim land in Singapore. Photo: Xinhua