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Kota Kinabalu: Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe has denied allegations of illegal silica sand exports from the State, stressing that all activities are strictly regulated.

Speaking after the weekly State Cabinet Meeting, Phoong refuted claims circulating on social media that the government had covertly allowed the export of Sabah’s valuable natural resource.

“I want to make it clear – there have been no unauthorised exports of silica sand from Sabah. The accusations spreading online are baseless,” he said.

According to Phoong, the only approved export of silica sand occurred between July and August 2023, when 2,598.93 tonnes – out of the 5,000 tonnes initially permitted – were sent to China for quality testing. 

This trial run, he said, was necessary for the establishment of a solar glass manufacturing plant by Kibing Group at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).