Ministries seek clarification from Indonesia after granite supply is disrupted
By Priyia Paramajothi, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 March 2007 2023 hrs

	Photos  of
	Related News • Govt releases granite from stockpile to ease disruption in supply Special Report • Singapore Budget 2007

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Foreign Affairs, and Trade and Industry Ministers have asked their Indonesian counterparts to clarify why the supply of granite has been disrupted in the last few days.

This was revealed in parliament on Saturday by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan - who said the Indonesian authorities have stepped up checks and detained some barges carrying granite materials to Singapore.

According to importers this was being done to prevent any smuggling of sand, following the recent export ban on land sand.

"We're quite puzzled. We do not know how long these actions will continue. I have informed Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo and he has raised the matter with his Indonesian counterpart, Minister Hassan Wirajuda, to seek clarifications on these latest actions by the Indonesian authorities," said Mr Mah.

"Minister Hassan told Minister George Yeo that there was no export ban on granite from Indonesia and that he would check what is the reason for the actions being taken that has caused the disruption in supply. Minister for Trade & Industry Lim Hng Kiang has also spoken to his Indonesian counterpart, Minister Mari Pangestu, who confirmed that there is no export ban on granite, and that they are now verifying the situation," continued Mr Mah. - CNA/yy