KUANTAN: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) will seize the all bauxite stockpile in across the state of Pahang.
Through this mass seizure, the graftbuster seeks to prevent the lucrative mineral from being removed from its stockpile areas for trading or any other purpose.
In a statement issued today, MACC deputy chief commissioner (operations) Datuk Azam Baki said the confiscation will be done as per Section 33 of the MACC Act 2009.
He warned that any party that go against the seizure notice would have committed an offence under the Act and will be punishable under Section 69 of the same Act.
"Action to seize bauxite would encompass the entirety of stockpile on government and private land identified in the state.
"Up until now, it is estimated that there are over 10 million metric tonnes of bauxite that had been mined and stored in stockpiles at several locations in Pahang," he said.
He said MACC has also initiated discussion with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry on suggestion that the ministry relook into the issuance of Approved Permit (AP) to bauxite miners and cancel all AP previously issued.
"The seizure needs to be done to help MACC carry out investigation into illegal bauxite mining (in Pahang). MACC would also monitor all bauxite exports at Kuantan Port," he said.
Since last week, the graftbuster has cracked down on illegal bauxite mining in the state, detaining a senior Customs enforcement officer, 10 state Land and Mines Office (PTG) enforcement officers and a PTG general assistant.
As of today, six of the PTG officers have been released on MACC bail, while the others are still under remand to facilitate a probe into an alleged graft case that was said to be shielding miners from law enforcement in unlawful mining of bauxite.