Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to halt bauxite exports

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will examine the ports to restrict the export of bauxite in the country. MACC has been investigating illegal bauxite mining activities for weeks. MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the halt would be difficult but necessary.

MACC seized 10 million tonnes of bauxite stockpile worth RM1.28 billion. The areas where bauxite stockpiles were seized are located in Felda Bukit Goh and Kuantan Port.  

The seizure would prevent the bauxite from being taken out of the stockpile area. “They will have to comply with the notice. We can hold the bauxite stockpile in Pahang for 18 months, once the notices are issued,” Azam said.

The commission also asked the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (NRE) to cancel all Approved Permits (AP) issued earlier to bauxite miners and not to issue ones.

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This month, MACC had remanded nine men over illegal bauxite mining activities. They had also raided the Pahang’s PTG Office, Customs Department and the Kuantan Port to obtain several documents related to the investigation. The commission had detained 18 lorries transporting bauxite from illegal mines.

Currently, the moratorium on bauxite mining in Pahang is in place until December 31, 2017.