KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 7): Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam wants bauxite mining in Pahang to be stopped for good if there is no solution to river pollution.

The Star quoted him as saying that the only way to prevent health risks in this issue was to stop the mining activities.

"There are health risks but they are long-term risks. It is good that bauxite mining (in Pahang) has been stopped for three months. But in this issue, the most important aspect is that our rivers must not be polluted," Dr Subramaniam was reported as saying.

He added it would be tough for mine operators to control the excess materials from the mining activities from going into the waterways.

"If at all the river becomes polluted, then my view is the ministry shouldn't allow bauxite mining at all," Dr Subramaniam said.

The government yesterday ordered a three-month halt to bauxite mining in Pahang and for existing stockpile to be exported within the period.

Putrajaya said operations could then resume on a clean slate.

The Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission has also weighed in on the issue, saying corruption had been detected in Pahang's bauxite mining.

The commission said yesterday it had received complaints about pollution from uncontrolled bauxite mining in the state, which caused waters off Kuantan to turn red last week, allegedly due to spillage of the ore used in making aluminium.