Residents in Kuantan are concerned of about “returning to Mars” as fears of bauxite pollution painting their town red increases.

According to Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, this is due to a lack of transparency in the procedures for clearing Pahang’s bauxite stockpile.

This follows MACC's decision last Thursday to revoke the impoundment of 10 million tonnes of the ore, used to produce aluminium.

Fuziah (photo) said apart from requiring miners to sign an agreement that includes a pledge not to get involved in bribery and abuse of power, there is no information on how the bauxite stockpiles would be cleared.

“There are other procedures (that need) to be followed, like how much earth you can carry, how you cover it, and the speed of the lorry. We have to question how this is going to be enforced...