From Reshma Hanshal via e-mail

Bauxite mining in Kuantan should be stopped immediately and permanently. I do not see any reason why it was only ordered stopped for three months, as reported in the media, when it endangers the lives of people.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has taken a bold move by stepping up to the plate to investigate wrongdoings and corruption there but despite calls by many to stop mining activities, no effort has been made by the state government to act against irresponsible miners.

In a recent interview, MACC Investigation director Azam Baki said the enforcement agency has received complaints but no complainant had surrendered enough evidence for the enforcement agency to nab anyone.

I’m sure there are many out there who know exactly what is happening in the bauxite mining issue, including high-level corruption.

It is high time the people step up and fight for justice to ensure such illegal activities never happen in other states to harm the lives of innocent people there.

Let us not surrender and expect only enforcement agencies to take action when it is the duty of all Malaysians to fight illegal activities that destroy the environment and imperil the health of people.

Bauxite mining in Pahang started in 2014 to cater to demands from China after Indonesia banned exports of the raw material.

It is unfair for the Malaysian government to meet the demands of another country at the cost of its own people and country since indiscriminate mining activities have caused serious pollution issues where rivers and coastal waters have turned red.

I really hope the MACC will pin down the culprits that are causing damage to the environment as soon as possible.

Reshma Hanshal is an FMT reader

With a firm belief in freedom of expression and without prejudice, FMT tries its best to share reliable content from third parties. Such articles are strictly the writer’s personal opinion. FMT does not necessarily endorse the views or opinions given by any third party content provider.