Bauxite mining stakeholders urge government to implement SOP

Bauxite mining stakeholders are urging the state government or the federal government for a set of standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite-mining in Pahang since the moratorium period had lasted for more than a year.

Gerakan Rakyat Hentikan Pencemaran Bauksit (Geram) chairperson Ali Akbar Othman commented: “The delay in announcing the SOP would reflect the lack of seriousness by the government to resolve the problem or find a solution to bauxite-mining. We are still waiting.”

“The government should have invited all non-governmental organisations (NGO), stakeholders, experts and others involved in bauxite-mining to discuss the best option, find a solution or seek their views.”

“Only then can a comprehensive SOP be prepared. But until now there has been no action or invitation. If a SOP has already been prepared, make an announcement so that remedial action can be taken,” he concluded.

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Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar announced that the moratorium on bauxite mining would be extended because red mud from the bauxite stockpile area was still flowing into the area near the Kuantan Port during the last rainy season.

He further hinted that the moratorium on bauxite mining for another three months depends on the cabinet’s decision.