Problems left behind by bauxite mining

KUANTAN: Although bauxite mining has been temporarily halted since Jan 15, the problems of people living in the area have not been resolved, they are now faced with the side-effects caused by the mining activities.
Besides having to inhale dust from the bauxite mining areas following the El Nino phenomenon that has been sweeping the country lately, the residents are also left to endure the potholes and craters left behind from the mining activities.
According to a resident of Kampung Bukit Kubang Badak, Che Long Che Ali, 64, as soon as the moratorium was announced, many operators, especially the illegal ones, left the area in a hurry.
"They left behind about 40 hectares of mining land damaged with piles of 'top soil' removed and craters as deep as 20m.
"The rural development road from Taman Satelit to Taman Datuk Rashid was also left with many potholes, considering the fact it is used as a short-cut by residents to send their children to primary and secondary schools in the Beserah area," he said.
Apart from having to inhale the dust every time they passed through the area, the potholes were also death traps, especially for those on motorcycles.
As such, he hoped the government would take immediate measures to repair the road to prevent road mishaps.
Checks by Bernama confirmed the allegations.
Another villager, Nor Azman Abdullah, 45, complained of damage to his motorcycle and car as a result of the poor condition of the road.
"When it rains the potholes are covered and this poses a serious danger to life and limb, he said. – Bernama