Impak Perlombongan Arang Batu Terhadap Komuniti Tempatandi Daerah Mukah, Sarawak

The Impact of Coal Mining on Local Communities in Mukah District, Sarawak

Abstract

Coal mining is one of the minerals that contributes to economic development in Sarawak. Coal mining in Sarawak is mostly located in rural areas. This article examines this issue by identifying how far this mining activity has given impact the local community. For discussion purposes, Mukah district was selected as a study area. This study uses data collection techniques through participatory observation and focus group discussions (FGDs) consisting of village heads and surrounding villagers working on coal mining sites. In addition, secondary data obtained from government departments are also referred to as inputs to the discussion in this paper. The findings show that mining activities in the area studied have an impact on the socio-economic development of the local community. Among the identified impacts are the shift from traditional to modern, the development of infrastructure facilities and the availability of infrastructure, migration, and job creation and income enhancement. However, mining activities are also found to have negative impacts such as environmental pollution problems, and problems between co-landowners.