The People's Movement to Stop Bauxite Pollution (Geram) congratulated the government for imposing the three-month moratorium on all bauxite mining activities in Pahang, beginning Jan 15.
Geram chairperson Ali Akbar Othman said the move was timely when all previous measures to curb pollution due to the mining activities have ended up in a deadlock.
"The people want to know whether the three months will be used to repair damaged infrastructure and clean up pollution due to the activities.
"These include road repairs and cleaning signboards that have turned red due to the dust," Ali told Bernama when contacted in Kuantan yesterday.
He said Geram would not be opposing the mining activities if they had proper standard operating procedures (SOPs).
"We want a new SOP to be introduced and enforced. It also must be made public to make it easier for the people to report any problem if the mining operators are not following procedures," Ali said.
He also suggested to the government to create a special hotline to make it easier for people to complain.
Environmental impact assessments (EIA) must also be carried out in mining areas to ensure no pollution to the environment, he added.
Meanwhile, Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage (Peka) president Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil urged the government to discontinue bauxite mining activities in Pahang.
Avoid any recurrence
"We can see very clearly the severe effects of pollution caused by the mining activities, not only roads and trees turned red, but it also pollutes the drinking water source which may pose health risks," Shariffa Sabrina said.
A resort staff, Alambuaina Asga, 42, said the government must find the best mechanism to solve the pollution problem caused by the mining activities to avoid a recurrence after the three-month period ended.
"Of course we welcome the move and now we can breathe a sigh of relief, but I hope the government can find a solution to tackle the pollution problem," Alambuaina said when approached by Bernama .
A foodstall trader Zainab Salleh, 55, said the much anticipated decision had helped the locals to carry out their daily activities in a safe condition.
For a shop assistant, Muhammad Faiz Rosli, 18, even though the moratorium period was only for three months, it was enough to show the government's determination to deal with the issue.
Pahang Fishermen’s Association chairperson Zulkiflee Md Yusof also expressed his gratitude towards the latest development.
"The recent 'red sea' incident had affected nearly 200 fishermen around Balok beach and Beserah beach," Zulkiflee said.
- Bernama
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