Kuantan MP raises concern over recent extension of bauxite mining moratorium

Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh said in a statement that the extension of bauxite mining moratorium in Pahang, Malaysia may worsen the situation if the authorities do not take any measure for stopping illegal mining activities that are taking place near Pahang.

She expressed concern that the extension of bauxite mining ban would benefit miners for sneaking out their illegally bauxite ores as lorries carrying bauxite has started lining up on the road again. Only a proper set of guidelines by the authorities can restrain illegal activities.

Fuziah Salleh said, "During the previous 15-month moratorium, the stockpiles at the 12 locations only shrunk by 3.25 million tonnes. However, an unending stream of lorries ferried bauxite and have begun to line up on the roads again, as illegal bauxite mining continues during the night."

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Recently, the Malaysian government has prolonged the period of moratorium on bauxite mining in Pahang for another three months till June 30.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said, “The extension of the moratorium will give space to industry players to clear existing stockpiles and prepare measures to mitigate pollution across the bauxite mining and export supply chain."