KUCHING: Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is set to review all Approved Permits (AP) issued to mining operators to ensure that no abuse has taken place.
Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said this comes following Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) massive crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kuantan, Pahang.
He said his Ministry would start conducting strict checks on all the APs issued so far.
"If operators are found to be involved in illegal activities or had abused their permits, we will not hesitate to terminate them immediately," he said, after handing over Minor Rural Project (MRP) fund and emergency aid at Surau Darul Hijrah, Taman Impian, Semariang here.
Wan Junaidi said the Ministry supported the MACC operations and urged that raids to combat illegal mining be continued and intensified.
"It is good that enforcement agencies are conducting such raids because people need to respect the moratorium." he said.
The crackdown was launched following the detention of 10 people on Thursday, including a customs officer who holds the title of assistant director.
It was reported that so far, 18 people have given their statements to MACC to help with the probe.
In the meantime, Wan Junaidi urged operators to clear out stockpiles of bauxite at some of the mining sites.
"I thought this shouldn't be an issue again but yesterday, I was told that there was still 4.8 million tonnes of stockpiles.
"This means that there were some (industry players) who refused to clear it.
"If they don't clear and export the stockpile, they are the ones who will suffer the loss and not the government," he said, adding that he was unsure the reason behind the defiance.