Environment Minister happy with the progress of cleanliness operations in Kuantan mining sites

On a positive update on the bauxite mining situation in Malaysia, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar has expressed content on the progress of cleanliness operations in Kuantan mining sites before the expiry date of the bauxite-mining ban on Dec 31 during a press conference in Kuantan yesterday.

Junaidi said that the environment looks healthier and more beautiful nearly after a year of mining ban in the area by the Ministry on Jan 15.

According to him, Kuantan Port had shipped out all stocks of legally-mined bauxite before the imposition of the moratorium on Jan 15. The port had spent RM30 million to ensure the shipment takes place with all environmental regulations.


He however has not confirmed whether the existing moratorium would expire on Dec 31 or extend further.

“We will go back to the Ministry, then hold a meeting (with various stakeholders), before making a decision,” he said, adding that they will also get feedback from the Cabinet before making any decision.

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He conducted an aerial inspection of bauxite mining sites like Felda Bukit Kuantan and Kuantan Port in the morning.  He however admitted that he observed heaps of bauxite on some of the mining sites indicating the fact that illegal mining activities are being carried out in these sites

He said that it is a tough job for enforcement officers to cover each and every area of the vast mining sites to catch those illegal mining.

“Our basic major policy is that the mining (of bauxite) is consistent with global practices as well as with our (Malaysian) development goals,” he said.

“The general public must be able to reap the returns from mining these natural resources,” he added.

He insisted that any kind of bauxite mining should be done in accordance with the law and sustainable practices.