The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has warned it will take action against individuals who illegally collect sand from beaches.
In a press release, EPA stated it has received numerous complaints of illegal collection of sand, coral, and other material from uninhabited islands, sandbanks, and picnic islands which causes island erosion and other environmental issues. The agency noted that such incidents increase near the month of Ramadan each year as individuals use sand and other materials from beaches to decorate their homes. However, it highlighted that the consequences of such actions carry a major financial burden in terms of fixing the subsequent environmental damages.
Therefore, EPA urged individuals to collect sand after receiving permits from local councils, in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, and warned it will impose fines and take strict penalties for those violating the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act.
The local councils have the authority to oversee the collection of sand for specific purposes, in accordance with the Decentralisation Act, and individuals can obtain information regarding islands from which sand can be collected through the local councils.