Pahang government not to issue bauxite export licenses if moratorium violated

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said in a statement on September 10, 2018 that the Pahang government will not issue export licenses to any firms that violate the moratorium period. He said the ministry had been informed illegal bauxite mining activities were taking place despite the moratorium.

The moratorium on bauxite mining activities in Pahang has been extended several times since 2016, and it is now set to expire on December 31.  

"As the enforcement aspect of illegal mining is under the state government's jurisdiction, the ministry will work with the Pahang government in addressing the issue and will take firm action by not issuing export licenses to any parties that do not comply with the moratorium," he said.

"If the mining is on own land, additional penalty is liable to be imposed for violating the conditions for allowing them to own the land," he said.

Last week, the government agreed to issue license to the companies to clear bauxite stockpile in Pahang. The decision came after talks between the ministry and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

"Once the government revokes the moratorium, all parties including the miners who have been given the APs will be required to sign a charter to fulfil all terms and conditions that will be stipulated later, which will ensure that the bauxite mining industry in Pahang will continue to be sustainable," he said last week.