Kuantan MP says extending moratorium on bauxite mining will worsen environmental crisis

Fuziah Salleh, Kuantan MP said in a press announcement that extension of bauxite mining ban in Pahang will deteriorate environmental crisis and this could lead to erosion at the bauxite mines.

According to Fuziah, this erosion can contaminate river water as well as drinking water. “Our river and drinking water are at risk of being polluted. In fact, health ministry reports have confirmed that there are worrying levels of pollution caused by bauxite mining.”


Fuzia’s statement came after the announcement by the Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar that the bauxite mining is extended by another three months.

Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this extension will permit companies to clear their bauxite stockpiles, although bauxite stockpile had not shown any reduction.

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Fuziah further explained if abandoned mines were rehabilitated and severe procedures were imposed then it was possible for the government to let the bauxite mining operation to continue.

On 15 January 2016, bauxite mining operation was suspended in Kuanatan region in Pahang, Malaysia, to clean up environmental damages caused by mining activities after getting public complaints for bauxite mining waste turning waters red.