Abim: Political will needed to enforce laws on bauxite mining

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Political will to strengthen and enforce existing laws is the only answer to prevent further damages from bauxite mining activities, Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) said today.

In making the call, Pahang Abim exco member Dr Ahmad Safwan Mohamad said: "We urge that more stringent laws be enforced (against those involved). This is because only the law can prevent further damages (caused by bauxite mining)."

"This, however, would require political will. Unless this is done, there will be no way to stop the pollution and the rakyat will continue to suffer its effects," he said in a statement.

Safwan also said any form of development must be carried out in a manner that balances environmental and health concerns.

"The country's development towards reaching a developed nation's status must be focused on the concept of sustainable development.

"We do not want to just leave behind sky scrapers for our future generations. More important than that is a sustainable environment.

"It is still not too late for us to review our actions now to ensure a better future for our future generations," he said.

Last Friday, it was reported that all bauxite mining activities in Pahang must be stopped in accordance with the government's decision to impose a three-month moratorium.

All landowners, bauxite operators and lorry drivers were ordered to abide by the temporary suspension order to enable the formulation of an effective standard operating procedure (SOP) to address the issues raised.

The MACC has so far reportedly confirmed that 10 Land and Mines Department officials have been remanded and summoned to facilitate investigations linked to illegal bauxite mining activities.



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