MACC to seize 10 million tonnes of bauxite

KUANTAN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will be monitoring all ports in the country to prevent the export of bauxite.

MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the move was important as there are ongoing investigations into alleged corruption involving the state Land and Mines Office (PTG) and the Customs Department.

A stockpile of bauxite at a Felda estate in Pahang. The Star File pix

Enforcing the export ban would be tough, he said, but necessary,

Azam pointed out that bauxite mining operators would not be able to do anything with their stockpiles since the ore was not for the local market.

The notices of seizure, he said, would be issued to land­owners, bauxite mining operators and the PTG.

Azam said this would legally prevent anyone from removing any of the estimated 10 million tonnes of bauxite stockpiled on state and private land in Pahang.

“They will have to comply with the notice. We can hold the bauxite stockpile in Pahang for 18 months, once the notices are issued,” he said.

Azam said he had appealed to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry (NRE) to cancel all Approved Permits (AP) issued to bauxite mining operators and to stop issuing new ones.

The NRE responded that it is tota­lly committed to and will conti­nue to offer full cooperation to MACC.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the ministry would not entertain any appeals or requests to interfere with MACC’s ongoing investigations.

Azam’s announcement had been lauded by Gerakan Rakyat Hentikan Pencemaran Bauksit (Geram) chairman Ali Akbar Othman.

He said this proved Geram’s assertions that illegal bauxite mining had been taking place despite a Government imposed moratorium.

A Pahang mining operator said they hoped MACC’s investigation could be carried out quickly.

Spring Energy Sdn Bhd mana­ging director Yap Soon Huat said the seizure and possible cancellation of the APs would impact business.

“If we are found to be above board, then the authorities must return our stockpile,” he said.

Yap pointed out there was only a small quantity of bauxite stockpiles left in KotaSAS, where Spring Energy had mined for the ore.

Kuantan Port Consortium (KPC) chief executive officer Datuk Khasbullah A. Kadir also said there was not much bauxite left within the port area.

When asked if KPC had been ordered to halt bauxite exports, Khasbullah explained they were only the port operator.

Khasbullah added that the port would allow the cargo to be shipped as long as it is approved by Customs.

The Star