Stop bauxite mining for health reasons, says Subra

PUTRAJAYA: Bauxite mining should be stopped altogether if river pollution cannot be prevented, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

He said that the only way to prevent health risks from bauxite mining was to stop mining, even though the health risks from bauxite-related pollution are mostly long-term risks.

"There are health risks but they are long-term risks. It is good that bauxite mining (in Pahang) has been stopped for three months. But in this issue, the most important aspect is that our rivers must not be polluted,” said Subramaniam.

He said it would be challenging for mine operators to prevent the excess materials produced by bauxite mining from entering the river.

"If at all the river becomes polluted, then my view is the ministry shouldn't allow bauxite mining at all," said Dr Subramaniam at a press conference here after delivering his New Year's speech at his ministry.

Bauxite mining in Pahang has become a controversial issue due to the pollution it has caused in the area.

On Thursday, the government issued a three-month ban on all bauxite mining activities.