Bauxite mining moratorium in Malaysia ends last month but not the uncertainty

Bauxite mining operators and settlers in Bukit Goh, Malaysia, which once used to be a lucrative spot for bauxite mining activities, are still resting in the uncertainty over bauxite mining, even after the mining moratorium ended on June 30.

The previous government had extended the moratorium seven times since the date of its enforcement on January 15, 2016, for keeping the pollution, lack of regulations, illegal mining, as well as excessive extraction at check.

This resulted Felda settlers whose lands were on lease for mining activities facing sleepless nights.

Bukit Goh bauxite action coordinating committee chairman Datuk Dr. Abdul Wahid Manap said the new government should answer on the fate of the mining industry. Many bauxite mining operators and settlers hoped the government would revive the industry.

“There has been no progress since the moratorium was enforced and Felda settlers who lands were left abandoned following the moratorium are seeking an answer. Something should be done to the abandoned mining sites,” pointed out Dr. Abdul Wahid Manap on July 4.

He further said, “The ministry should conduct a site visit and speak to all those concerned. Get their views, study the new guidelines and look into the fate of settlers who were cheated by the mining operators.”

Meanwhile, Pahang Mineral Operators Association vice-president Yap Soon Huat said a meeting between the association and relevant ministry would be able to resolve the uncertainty concerning bauxite mining.

Stop Bauxite Pollution People’s Movement (Geram) chairman Ali Akbar Othman said the local community should also be part of the meeting.

A mining operator said the previous government failed to introduce any standard operating procedures and instead only chose to extend the moratorium.

He added, “We hope the new government will engage those concerned and find a win-win solution. Operators are prepared to adhere to any new rules and regulations.”