KUANTAN: The Pahang government will give full cooperation to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission(MACC) in its crackdown on the illegal extraction of minerals including bauxite at Felda Bukit Goh here.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said he takes the matter seriously, as mineral thefts result in revenue losses for the state government.
"We(Pahang government) will give full cooperation to MACC's investigations and we have done the same in the past too(referring to previous cases involving bauxite mining).
"However, let's wait for the investigation's outcome as the matter is still in court.
"Even the Pahang government no longer issues compounds to individuals involved in illegal land exploration activities across the state; they are now directly taken to court.
"With MACC's involvement, we hope it will serve as a strong reminder to everyone," he told reporters after attending the Anggun Suri programme at Atabara Hall in Indera Mahkota here today.
Anggun Suri is a mass wedding ceremony involving 10 couples which is fully-sponsored by the Pahang government.
On Nov 14, MACC detained three people including a Pahang government official for illegally extracting minerals including bauxite at Bukit Goh here since 2022. They have been remanded till Nov 19.
Today, MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed the "mastermind" in the illegal extraction activities is a "Datuk Seri."
Since a moratorium was imposed on bauxite mining in 2016 following widespread pollution in the state capital, MACC has arrested several individuals including Land and Mines Office (PTG) enforcement officers for illegal mining activities.
Meanwhile, Pahang Pas deputy commissioner Datuk Andansura Rabu condemned those who allegedly accepted bribes to protect the illegal extraction of minerals in Pahang.
"We fully support MACC's investigations to curb illegal extraction of natural resources in Kuantan.
"Stern action is vital to prevent our resources from being exploited by irresponsible quarters.
"Investigations into the illegal extraction activities have to be transparent and fair so that justice can be served. Pas will monitor the development regarding the case and support all efforts to preserve the integrity of the state," he said in a Facebook post today.