KUALA LUMPUR: The environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for proposed bauxite mining project in Bukit Goh, Kuantan has not been approved, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said a previous EIA report for a similar project at the site had also been rejected.
The Environment Department received a project proposal for a bauxite mining operation on a 2,424ha site on Sept 24, he said during Minister Question Time on Thursday (Dec 12).
Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) wanted to know if approval had been granted to the bauxite mining project in Bukit Goh.
Nik Nazmi noted that every EIA report is evaluated in detail at Environmental Impact Assessment Technical Review Committee meetings alongside other federal and state agencies, appointed individuals and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"The committee will consider all reviews and recommendations from all parties involved before deciding on each EIA report," he said.
To a supplementary question, Nik Nazmi said the ministry is looking to enhance and regulate the EIA process to make it more comprehensive, aligned with the current needs of the people.
"The ministry plans to enhance the EIA process through broader assessment panels, digital public engagement, third-party audits and strengthened legal frameworks to ensure greater environmental protection and public participation in environmental decisions," he said.
He also pointed out the crucial role of the Environmental Quality Monitoring Programme (EQMP) in monitoring air, river and marine water quality, essential for community health and environment reports.
Nik Nazmi said data capture methods within the EQMP need to be reviewed.
