KUANTAN: The Pahang government has pledged full cooperation with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its investigation into the illegal mining of mineral resources, believed to contain bauxite, bypassing proper procedures in the state.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail reiterated that the state government has always taken a firm stand against the illegal theft of mineral products as such activities lead to revenue leakages, ultimately affecting the economic development and welfare of the people of Pahang .

He also expressed full support for MACC’s efforts to arrest those involved in the illegal activities, including an officer of the state agency among the three people detained on suspicion of accepting bribes to protect the operation.

“When bauxite theft occurs, the state government loses valuable revenue. We are awaiting the court’s decision as the investigation is still ongoing and we will fully cooperate in the matter,” he said.

“In the past, those involved in theft or any illegal activities were dealt with decisively. We don’t just impose fines, we take the matter directly to court. This demonstrates our serious commitment to tackling such crimes.

“With the MACC investigation, it will be easier for us to minimize, or ideally eliminate, the leakage of revenue to the state government. When such fraud occurs, the state government loses revenue and ultimately the people also lose,” he said.

He told the media when asked about the arrests after officiating the Kuantan district’s Anggun Suri (mass wedding ceremony) program at Dewan Atabara here on Saturday (Nov 16).

On Friday (Nov 15), MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki reportedly said that apart from the state agency officer, the other two people arrested during a raid in Bukit Goh, Kuantan were business owners, who were he thinks he would have been under control. officer protection from 2022.

He added that the purpose of the bribe is to ensure the protection of illegal operations and prevent any enforcement actions.

The MACC is currently working to determine the total amount of bribery involved.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Wahidah Zainal Abidin granted a remand order for the three male suspects, aged between 30 and 50, until November 19 after the MACC filed an application at the Kuantan Magistrate’s Court , Friday (November 15) morning.

Wan Rosdy, commenting on the Pahang government’s achievement of collecting more than RM1 billion in revenue for three consecutive years, said one of the key factors behind this proud success was the state government’s efficiency in managing revenue leakages, including problems such as bauxite theft and abuse of power.

“As promised, apart from the fixed costs that the state government has to pay, we are returning the remaining funds to the people. An example of this is the Anggun Suri program held on Saturday,” he said.

“This mass wedding programme, conducted for the first time, is an initiative of the state government to help couples facing financial difficulties. Besides, the state government has also given a contribution of Rs 300 to first-time marriages,” he added. – Bernama