PUTRAJAYA: A new standard operating procedure (SOP) to oversee the mining of new minerals must be in place to address weaknesses and possible abuse, says Tan Sri Azam Baki.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner said state governments should look at their existing regulations on mining and make improvements to cover the mining of new minerals, including rare earth elements (REE).
He cited an example from last year, when MACC investigated a case of alleged revenue misappropriation from REE mining.
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“Among the reasons it (misappropriation) happened was weaknesses in monitoring and the fact that no SOP on enforcement was in place in relation to REE.
“That is why we are proposing for state governments to have SOP that includes mining of new minerals, so that weaknesses can be addressed,” he told reporters after an event on Friday (Oct 25).
In October last year, the MACC probed a case of alleged corruption and abuse of power involving RM13mil from illegal REE mining in Kedah.
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Azam said to prevent abuse and misappropriation and rectify weaknesses, organisations must constantly improve SOPs, best practices and procedures to put a lid on any possibility of corruption.
Kedah Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirmed that he had given a statement to the MACC regarding the case.
