Everyone happy except miners

Bauxite operators want Federal Government to reconsider decision on moratorium

KUANTAN: While environmental groups have welcomed the extension of the moratorium on bauxite mining, operators have called on the Federal Government to reconsider the decision.

Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob thanked the federal government for making the move.

“It is the best decision for the wellbeing of the people who must always come first,” he said in a text message to the media here on Friday evening.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar had earlier in the day announced that the three-month moratorium on bauxite mining in Kuantan, which was supposed to end on April 15, would be extended.

The three-month extension was to enable, among others, the existing bauxite stockpile of four million tonnes to be cleared or exported.

Stop Bauxite Mining Movement chairman Ali Akbar Othman said the decision was proper as the state government itself was seen as still unprepared, including providing the proper infrastructure, to allow mining to continue.

“Previously, we were promised a special bauxite central collection centre and a special 15km road to transport the mineral to the port but so far, none of the facilities have yet to be provided.

“Similarly, on the standard operating procedures on bauxite mining activities, the ministry should announce it to enable us to report to the authorities, in the event of any breach of the directive by miners or transport operators,” he said.

Protection of Natural Heritage of Malaysia president Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil described the moratorium extension as a blessing for the people of Kuantan, who were now no longer inhaling the red bauxite dust.

“I salute the Government and Wan Junaidi particularly, for taking into account the interests of the residents of Kuantan, who were previously affected by the bauxite mining activities,” she said.

However, Pahang Iron Ore Operators Association president Datuk Seri Tengku Zulkifli Tengku Ahmad called on the Government to reconsider the decision to extend the moratorium period.

“It is understood that only 3% of the bauxite stockpile is still available at the storage area in Kuantan Port and at the same time, works to improve infrastructure, including the building of washing bay are actively being carried out there.

“All the works are expected to be completed within two months. If it can be completed in a shorter time, why should this period be extended?,” he said.

Bukit Goh Bauxite Coordinating Committee chairman Datuk Dr Abdul Wahid Manap wants the Government to use the period to find the best solution to the bauxite issue to avoid an extension for the third time.