Felda Bukit Goh settlers hope bauxite mining will be allowed again soon

PETALING JAYA: Felda Bukit Goh settlers involved in bauxite mining are hoping that they are seeing the last extension to the Jan 15 moratorium on the activity.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar yesterday announced the extension of the three-month moratorium in Pahang by another three months.

“If it is extended further, it will be bad for the Felda settlers. I hope there will be some incentives for the settlers, or else it will be really difficult for them,” said Bukit Goh Bauxite Issues Committee chairman Datuk Dr Abd Wahid Abd Manap.

He said that while he felt bad for the Felda settlers whose incomes had suffered, he also understood the Government’s decision to extend the moratorium.

“We cannot blame the Government because maybe it is trying to strengthen the standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite mining for the betterment of everyone. So we have to be patient,” he said.

A meeting, he said, would be called soon by the committee to explain to the settlers the Government’s latest decision. “We will ask them to be patient,” he said. Meanwhile, Stop Bauxite Mining Movement (Geram) chairman Ali Akbar Othman welcomed the extension but hoped the Pahang government would respond to its requests to meet to discuss the SOP.

He said Geram sought an appointment with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob after the first moratorium was imposed but has not had any luck.

“We also sympathise with the land owners and those involved in bauxite mining.

“If there is a good SOP in place, then it will be a win-win situation for everyone,” said Ali.

Geram also wants an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the mining and stockpile sites.

“This is vital and needed. If they do not comply with the EIA, then the mines must be shut down,” he said.

If there is a good SOP in place, then it will be a win-win situation for everyone.

Ali Akbar Othman