Pahang vows no repeat of ‘red sea’ bauxite contamination

The Pahang government is determined to prevent a repeat of the "red sea" phenomenon caused by bauxite contamination late last year. State Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Samsudin said the state government would issue a comprehensive guideline on bauxite mining based on lessons learned from the incident. "What happened before is an experience. That's why we have the moratorium, to enable us to reevaluate how to carry out bauxite mining without any pollution. "Pahang is the first state to produce bauxite, hence the shortcomings. We will improve on it and other states can also learn from our experience," he told a media conference after flagging off the Balok Wind Challenge participants today. He said seaside tourists were among the elements considered in ensuring that Kuantan's 11 beaches such as Pantai Teluk Cempedak, Pantai Balok, Pantai Batu Hitam, Pantai Cherating and Pantai Sungai Ular remained unpolluted by the phenomenon.  "This is a warming up and promotion for the Visit Pahang Year 2017 as many foreign tourists would be taking part. "We want the visitors to know about the beauty of our beaches so that they will return again next year with their families," Sharkar said. – Bernama, February 20, 2016.]]>