Pahang government to Kuantan bauxite miners: Fulfil all conditions first

Government of Pahang sends out a clear message to the bauxite miners in the region- they should fulfil all conditions stipulated for them before the moratorium on mining can be lifted.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Jaafar said no compromise will be made on the matter and the government will continue extending the moratorium otherwise.

"It's like the government is playing football with these companies. We kicked the ball to them and gave them a list of SOPs already, such as for stockpiling and transport bauxite.

"They must satisfy the rules first, then we talk. If we allow them to resume mining without meeting those rules, then the people will be affected, and then they will complain to us," said Wan Junaidi.


Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Jaafar

It was earlier made clear that the companies must remove all existing bauxite stockpiles, which is yet not done.

Bauxite mining  was frozen for three months in Kuantan due to severe effects it had on the environment and the people living around both the mining areas and the port. The moratorium, first commenced on January 15, was extended further for three months on March 15 when conditions were reviewed and found to be not met. It was yet again extended on June 15 for the same reason.

Wan Junaidi said the governments of 165 countries have already signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change last year, including Malaysia, and the private sector should step up and work with governments to address global warming.

"The business community needs to work with the government to both adapt to the current impacts of climate change and transition to resource and energy-efficient, low-emission development pathway," he said.

Wan Junaidi said companies operating in various sectors especially in mining industries can and should directly contribute to achieving the UN's SDGs, especially in the areas of affordable and clean energy, and climate action, which are essential for good health and wellbeing.

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