While thanking authorities for the efforts being made to scour Kuantan of the red dust residue from bauxite mining activities that has marred the area in recent months, its MP expressed worry over possible pollution from clean-up efforts.

"Kuantan residents welcome the efforts to clean up the bauxite mess which has marred the area. We also praise the diligence of the cleanup crew and is thankful to all agencies involved for their hard work," Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh said in a statement today.

"However after several days of monitoring cleanup efforts, we take note of the waste water which resulted from the cleanup activity, for it will surely re-enter the drainage system and then flow to the rivers and sea," added the elected representative.

She pointed out that as is commonly known, bauxite has dangerous heavy metals in it and expressed her worry that the waste water from cleanup activities will increase pollution levels in the already polluted Kuantan waterways.

Fuziah said she is certain that in the effort to restore Kuantan to its former glory, steps must also be taken to ensure that nothing will add to the already worsening pollution in its rivers due to bauxite mining.

Identify new methods to clean bauxite residue

She posited that new measures may need to be looked at, rather than just washing the red dusty residue with water and letting the run-off re-enter the environment.

"My suggestion to the ministry is for a method to be identified whereby the waste water from bauxite cleanup efforts is not released back into the environment, but is instead pumped into a special container, preventing it from flowing to the drainage and river systems.

"The waste water can then be treated before being released into the drainage system, specialised agencies or companies can be additionally brought in to handle this," suggested Fuziah.

She added that Kuantan residents are happy with the statement from the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry which has said that the clean-up bill will be sent to the bauxite miners responsible for the mess.

Fuziah said that concerned residents will continue to observe and monitor clean-up efforts.