Corruption in Mineral Resource Extraction: MACC Arrests Three Individuals
Introduction
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to combat corruption in the mineral resource extraction industry. In a recent operation, three individuals, including a state agency officer, were arrested for allegedly accepting bribes to facilitate the illegal excavation of mineral resources believed to contain bauxite.
The Investigation
The MACC Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, revealed that the investigation revealed that permission for excavation in Bukit Goh was only granted for resources mined before 2022. However, the suspects also excavated newly discovered materials. To shield this activity, several operators involved in excavating the minerals paid bribes to the state agency officer.
The Bribes
Azam said the bribes were intended to ensure protection and prevent enforcement action against the illegal operations. The MACC is currently working to determine the total amount of bribes involved. In the operation, the MACC seized over RM26,000 in cash and three mobile phones from the suspects.
Remand Order
This morning, Magistrate Wahidah Zainal Abidin granted a six-day remand order until Nov 19 for the three male suspects, aged between 30 and 50, following an application by the MACC at the Kuantan Magistrate’s Court.
Further Enforcement
Azam said after the raid, MACC inspected a mineral storage site in Jabor, Terengganu, where further enforcement was carried out. At this location, five heavy machines, including four excavators and a shovel loader, along with seven lorries, including five dump trucks, were handed over to the Terengganu Land and Mines Office (PTG) for confiscation under Section 425 of the National Land Code 1965. Additionally, eight tipper dump trucks were seized under Section 82 of the Land Public Transport Act (APAD) 2010 and handed over to the Road Transport Department after inspections at a road junction in Gebeng revealed the vehicles were overloaded.
Conclusion
The MACC’s efforts to combat corruption in the mineral resource extraction industry are a significant step towards ensuring the integrity of the sector. The agency’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting corrupt activities is crucial in maintaining public trust and confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the individuals arrested in the operation?
A: The three individuals arrested were a state agency officer and two company owners believed to have been protected by the officer since 2022.
Q: What was the purpose of the bribes paid to the state agency officer?
A: The bribes were intended to ensure protection and prevent enforcement action against the illegal operations.
Q: How much cash was seized in the operation?
A: Over RM26,000 in cash was seized from the suspects.
Q: What was the outcome of the remand order?
A: The Magistrate granted a six-day remand order until Nov 19 for the three male suspects.