KUALA LUMPUR: No approval has been given for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report over the proposed bauxite mining project in Bukit Goh, Kuantan, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said a previous EIA report for a similar project in the same location had also been rejected.
He said the Environment Department again received a project proposal titled ‘Proposed Bauxite Mining Operation in Bukit Goh’ within a 2,424.73ha area in Mukim Kuala Kuantan, Kuantan, Pahang, on Sept 24.
“The proponent for this project is BG Mining Sdn Bhd,” he said during the Ministers’ Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Nik Nazmi was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) about whether a new EIA approval was granted to the bauxite mining project in Bukit Goh.
The minister said each EIA report is evaluated and discussed in detail at Environmental Impact Assessment Technical Review Committee (EIATRC) meetings, alongside other federal and state agencies, as well as appointed individuals or non-governmental organisations.
“The EIATRC will consider the reviews and recommendations from all parties involved before deciding,” he said.
To an additional question, Nik Nazmi said the ministry is looking to further enhance and regulate the EIA process to make it more comprehensive, aligning it with the current needs and demands of the people.
He highlighted the crucial role of the Environmental Quality Monitoring Program (EQMP) in monitoring air, river and marine water quality, essential for community health and environmental reports.
Nik Nazmi also emphasised the need for a review of data capture methods within the EQMP and the exploration of whether certain tasks should be government-managed or outsourced for potential improvements.
“We plan to enhance the EIA process through broader assessment panels, digital public engagement, third-party audits and stronger legal frameworks to ensure greater environmental protection and public participation,” he said.
