BAUXITE mining in Kuantan, Pahang, is still prohibited despite the lifting of a moratorium on March 31, Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said today.

Mining can only proceed after the administrative procedure of withdrawing stop-work orders on bauxite mining issued in January is completed.

“It is in the Mineral Development Act 1994,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

The government can only decide on resumption of mining when all operators have abided by the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by his ministry, he said.

He said operators who flout the SOP will face fines of up to RM500,000, which is provided for under Pahang state legislation.

Xavier added that a public hearing on the SOP will be held with all stakeholders, including residents and non-government organisations.

“The public will be able to access and study the SOP from March 31 on the ministry’s website.” – March 13, 2019.