Elements of corruption in uncontrolled bauxite mining in Pahang – MACC

MACC said it had received complaints about pollution from uncontrolled bauxite mining in Pahang, where the waters off Kuantan turned red last week allegedly due to spillage of the ore used in making aluminium.

The minister noted that if the industry fails to “contain” the pollution problem within three months, the moratorium would be extended indefinitely.

There are elements of corruption relating to the mining of bauxite in Pahang, says the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

“Based on the complaints, MACC has found there are elements of corruption by certain quarters involved in bauxite mining activities”.

Earlier today, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said that all bauxite-mining activities in Kuantan will be suspended for three months starting Jan 15. He said regulating the industry will strengthen it and make it more sustainable.

Just last month, bauxite mining was blamed for turning the waters and seas red near Kuantan, the capital of Malaysia’s third-largest state and key bauxite producer Pahang.

All other mining activities apart from clearing of stockpiles and installation of cleaning facilities will also finish with the implementation of the ban.

Malaysia, previously an insignificant producer of bauxite, helped fill the gap with a sharp rise in mining – most of it illegal.

Exports will continue as part of effort to clear the stockpiles but the government will freeze new export permits during the period, he said.

Bauxite mining in Pahang picked up in 2014 to satisfy China’s demand after Indonesia banned exports of the raw material to encourage local aluminium production.