UPDATE: Malaysia extends moratorium on bauxite mining until December 31

The Malaysian government has extended the moratorium on bauxite mining in Pahang for six months more until December 31, which was supposed to expire today.

A survey conducted by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia in April found an increase in the bauxite stockpile in the region. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar yesterday said in an emailed statement.

He said, “The ministry along with the state government has agreed to extend the moratorium for six months more until December 31 to enable the rest of the bauxite to be exported,"

“With the extension of the moratorium on bauxite mining and export, we hope the extraction from the existing stockpile can be implemented in a controlled manner and in accordance with the guidelines set by the ministry.”

Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar further added that 5.8 million tonnes of bauxite has been exported from Malaysia as of June 8.

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He stated: “I would also like to emphasise here that the extension of the moratorium has nothing to do with the 14th general election, but restrictions on illegal mining activities carried out on private lands by irresponsible companies causing environmental pollution due to non-compliance with guidelines.”