Ti: Explain lifting of bauxite-mining moratorium

KUALA LUMPUR: The government should explain the basis for lifting the bauxite-mining moratorium.

MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker said such a decision should have been made only after consulting the local residents.

“We have received a lot of complaints after the moratorium was lifted. People are concerned,” he said.

“Previously, MPs from the current government, who branded themselves as environmentalists, said bauxite mining brought pollution to the environment and rivers, affecting people’s health and the livelihood of fishermen.

“So what has changed that led to the decision?” he asked.

Ti noted that Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said he has engaged with all the stakeholders and no one said the industry should stop.

“But did he engage local residents, elected representatives?” he told a press conference here yesterday.

He said the government must engage and consult local residents before making decisions.

“The government seems to be working in silos. It looks like Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, who is also a deputy minister, was not informed and consulted when the decision was made,” he said.

Ti, who is a senator, also asked for details of the new standard operating procedure (SOP) that was said could resolve pollution issues.

“Can Dr Xavier assure there will not be any pollution? Will he resign, if the mining of bauxite brings back pollution?” he asked.

It was reported on Monday that Bauxite mining in Pahang would resume in April.

Dr Xavier Jayakumar reportedly said that everyone agreed that bauxite mining has potential.

“It is quite profitable, with the state getting about RM47mil in royalty in 2015,” he said after inspecting mining sites in Kuantan.

Fuziah later said she was disappointed with the decision to lift the moratorium.

She also asked for the details of the new SOP as well as the Environmental Impact Assessment on the bauxite mines.