MACC nabs three more over illegal bauxite mining

KUANTAN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested three more suspects including a woman on suspicion of receiving bribes to allow illegal bauxite mining in the state.

The three suspects aged between 44 and 50 were arrested separately on Friday around Kuantan from between 4pm till 11.55pm.

They are believed to be the middlemen for selling documents of transferring mineral ore or 13D form to illegal bauxite miners.

The suspects are under remand for seven days starting from yesterday, to assist in the investigation according to Section 17(a) MACC Act 2009, said MACC investigations director Datuk Azam Baki.

“We are still investigating those still involved in the bribery leading to illegal bauxite mining activities and a leakage estimated around RM187mil based on the amount of royalty collected last year,” he said.

MACC urges the public to step forward if they have information.

The commission had earlier arrested four Pahang Land and Mines Department officers on the same suspicion.