KUANTAN: The rows of banana trees, cassava and oil palm planted by Surin Deris, a settler, has proven that former bauxite mined land can be cultivated through determination and hardwork.
Surin, 68, a first generation settler in Tanah Rancangan Pemuda (RTP) Bukit Goh, said all the plants including sweet potatoes and lemongrass were planted since last year, about one month after bauxite mining activity was halted.
He added, that the three acres of the entire five and a half acres of his land had been leased to bauxite operators and mining works began in May 2015.
“Bauxite mining was stopped in October, last year. They had removed the top soil and dug holes (for removing bauxite) and in December, I started planting bananas.
“Since planting these plants. I only water the small palm trees while the banana trees and cassava still survive even in hot weather despite being rarely watered,” he told reporters when met at his farm here today.
Surin, who has been working on the land since he was 18 years old, said he attempted to plant banana trees when he saw forest trees had begun growing on that empty ground.
“Many have said, former bauxite mined land are infertile. But I feel, if forest trees can grow, what if trees are deliberately planted and cared,” he said.
The farm also has been approached by several researchers who were interested to obtain soil samples for research purposes and Surin gave permission because he was also interested to know the results of the study.
“However, until now I have yet to be contacted (to know the results) from them (researchers),” he said, adding that it was important for the settlers to have knowledge and review the agreement with bauxite operators.
Besides that, to avoid fraud in payment, the signed agreement also should state in detail mentioning the methods of taking out the mineral materials and it was also the operator’s responsibility to re-bury the excavated soil in order not to burden the settlers.
“If not reclaimed, it will cause a huge hole and become a pool of water during heavy rain, therefore it is important for land owners to have knowledge of their land and at the same time look through the agreement made with bauxite operators,” he said.
“The settlers do not have machinery and equipment to perform such works. It is important to be careful and not be blinded by the promise of money by bauxite operators,” he said, adding that he monitors the bauxite mining process in his land every time to ensure the work has been done according to the agreement. — BERNAMA
