MINISTRY ASKED ABOUT STAND ON ‘TROUBLING’ BAUXITE MORATORIUM
KUANTAN: The Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Ministry needs to state its stand on the bauxite moratorium, which has been in force since Jan 15, 2016.
Paya Besar member of parliament Mohd Shahar Abdullah said the government had yet to make any statement on the issue since the moratorium ended on June 30.
He said he would bring up the issue in the Dewan Rakyat today so that the ministry could explain the government’s stand and end any concern the public might be having.
“This has made things difficult for owners of the land where bauxite was mined... if clear instructions are issued (regarding the moratorium), they (landowners) can discuss them with mining companies.
“As it is now, the mines have been abandoned and if they cannot go ahead (with mining bauxite), it should be stated so that they can go ahead and start replanting the area with oil palm or other plants that can give them income.”
He said this after a dialogue with residents of Taman Bukit Goh Perdana.
Present was Taman Bukit Goh Perdana Residents Association chairman Abd Latif Ab Wahab.
Shahar said most residents of Felda Bukit Goh were involved in bauxite mining and hoped the new government would state its stand.
He said as long as no decision was made, landowners would face many difficulties.
“We must have a decision. If not, Felda’s plans for the settlers will be affected. This will make the lives of 677 people difficult.”