PARLIAMENT | Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad clarified that bauxite mining activities in Bukit Goh, Kuantan, Pahang, have not received approval for their environmental impact assessment (EIA) report.

During the Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, the natural resources and environmental sustainability minister stated that an EIA report for the project had been rejected, and the Department of Environment received a new report a few months ago.

“Once again, the department received an EIA report for a project proposal titled Proposed Bauxite Mining Operation in Bukit Goh with an area of 2,424.73 hectares in Mukim Kuala Kuantan, District of Kuantan, Pahang on Sept 24,” he said in response to Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian).

“The proponent of this project is BG Mining Sdn Bhd,” he added.

Bauxite is a sedimentary rock that is the primary ore of aluminium.

A bauxite mining site in Kuantan, Pahang, circa February 2016

Nik Nazmi further explained that the new report is under review by the Technical Review Committee (EIA-TRC), in which he guaranteed that the department would adhere to its standard procedure.

“This process involves consultations with technical agencies at both federal and state levels, appointed experts, NGOs, and other government bodies.

“The EIA-TRC will consider all feedback and comments from the relevant parties before making a decision on the report,” he explained.

The issue of illegal bauxite mining in Bukit Goh has drawn scrutiny in the past.

On Nov 15, Free Malaysia Today reported that the MACC raided the area, leading to the arrest of three individuals, including an official from a state government agency.

The suspects, including two company owners, were investigated under Section 16 of the MACC Act 2009 for soliciting and accepting bribes allegedly linked to protecting illegal bauxite mining activities.

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