Expert says Malaysian bauxite industry needs a stricter system

The Government of Malaysia should draw up more stringent procedures for the industry during the three-month moratorium on bauxite mining, says geologist, Dr Habibah Jamil.

Dr Jamil, who is also a part of the Science and Technology Faculty at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said it was vital because the aluminium ore posed a serious threat to health.

“Bauxite is high in aluminium hydroxide, iron oxide and chromium. These elements are inside the fine dust and can be absorbed into the body through inhalation,” she said. “Long term exposure to aluminium hydro­xide can cause Alzheimer’s disease while iron oxide will damage the liver."

Besides, the red mud makes water murky and kill fish and other life in the ponds and rivers it pollutes. Dr Habibah said the adverse effects on humans might only be seen after many years. Bauxite mining should be done reasonably far from places where people live or in unpopulated areas, she said.

According to Dr. Jamil, bauxite industry in Kuantan was hastily done to seize market share left by Indonesia, and without in-depth study.

“Hopefully during the moratorium period, a plan of action can be prepared,” she said. She added that the bauxite in Kuantan had 32% to 52% aluminium hydroxide and between 14% and 32% iron oxide.