Legislators involved in illegal coal mining activities

Some members of the legislative council of Kotabaru regency in South Kalimantan might be involved in the regency?s rampant illegal coal mining activities, Banjarmasin Pos reported on Thursday.

One of a document which could link the involvement of the legislators was unveiled by the council?s chairman Iwan Machmud in the council?s meeting on Wednesday.

The document signed by the council?s member Abdul Wahab Akad contained a statement of a gratitude addressed to PT Barwail Tirta Samudera, who was involved in the shipment of thousands of tons of illegal coal from the regency.

But Abdul Wahab denied that he had written the document and said he was ready to be investigated for his alleged involvement in the illegal coal mining activities.

Illegal coal mining in the Kotabaru regency, particularly in Batulicin, Geronggang, Kelumpang Tengah and Satui districts continued despite the local government?s promise to shut down all the coal mining areas operated without proper permits. (*)