Soil in bauxite mining areas can be restored, says Wan Junaidi

Cover crops can help restore soil quality in areas where bauxite mining has been carried out. – The Malaysian Insider file pic, February 17, 2016.Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar says soil in bauxite mining areas can restored for future cultivation.

However, treatment will take about 50 years for the restoration of the soil to its natural nutrients, he told reporters after opening the Malaysia-Korea Seminar on Healthy River Basin today.

Forestry Department director-general Datuk Seri Abd Rahman Abd Rahim said bauxite mining areas undergoing treatment must be cultivated with a cover crop such as legumes for a long period of time.

He said this was because cover crops could help improve soil quality as had been proven in Malaysia.

"For example, the land where the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) headquarters was located in Kepong underwent similar treatment because it was an ex-mining area before it was restored as a green area.

"It can take about 50 years before the land can be restored to its normal state," he said.

Yesterday, a Bernama report quoted a University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) professor as saying oil palm plantations at Felda Bukit Goh, Bukit Kuantan, Bukit Sago and Bukit Nerang faced a bleak future following bauxite mining activities in the areas.

Professor Dr Maketab Mohamed said bauxite mining produced chromium which was poisonous and could damage oil palm trees in the area.

Meanwhile, speaking on another topic, Wan Junaidi said the public's lack of awareness and social responsibility on conserving and protecting rivers had contributed to an increase in river pollution to 9% in 2014, compared with 5% in 2013. – Bernama, February 17, 2016.