Settlers in Felda Bukit Kuantan are reported to have blamed a lack of enforcement since July and alleged that the authorities had turned a deaf ear to reports they had lodged.

A settler was quoted as saying that lorries seen in the area had been believed to be clearing the remaining stockpiles in the oil palm plantation.

However, they had continued transporting bauxite a few months after the moratorium was imposed. “I realised that the mining activities are still being carried out,” a settler told the New Straits Times.

He accused the miners of using a back road to transport the mineral in breach of the moratorium, which ends on Dec 31. He called for stern action to be taken.

Another settler said enforcement officers were seen only during the first and second phases of the moratorium, between January and July. “But now the enforcement officers can hardly be seen,” he said.

Pahang Lands and Mines director Nazri Abu Bakar said investigations would be carried out and the case will be referred to the deputy public prosecutor’s office. He promised immediate action, including the seizure of heavy vehicles and mining equipment.

A group of villagers at Felda Bukit Kuantan had complained last week that their dirt roads had been damaged by lorries carting away bauxite at night.

Environment Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said he was expecting a full report by next week.