Red Rivers and Death: Natives’ Fight Against Iron Mining in Deep Rainforest

For decades, the Temiar community of Kampung Kelaik in Kelantan state in Malaysia relied on its rivers and forests for survival.

Pristine rivers provided fish and water, while the forests teemed with wildlife essential to the community's way of life. But over the past decade, much of this has been slipping away. Deforestation and development have scarred ancestral lands, disrupting access to clean water and food. Now, community members face a new danger—chromium poisoning.

Redstar Capital, a mine operator, denied culpability and said it does not release effluents into the river. Aqua Orion, another mine, didn't reply. Malaysiakini also asked for responses from the Department of Orang Asli Affairs (Jakoa), Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains Malaysia (JMG), Syarikat Perlombongan Gua Musang, the Department of Environment (DOE), and the Health Ministry Department.

Jakoa said it didn't receive any complaints regarding this issue. Read a complete Malaysiakini report about the issue here.

---

As a nonprofit journalism organization, we depend on your support to fund more than 170 reporting projects every year on critical global and local issues. Donate any amount today to become a Pulitzer Center Champion and receive exclusive benefits!

---