Graft watchdog wants MACC to probe into Pahang bauxite spills

Authorities in Pahang appear to have turned a blind eye on the far-reaching consequences of bauxite mining in the state to the detriment of the people, the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism  (C4) said today. Its directors Cynthia Gabriel and Richard Yeoh, in a joint statement following a visit to the state last month, urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the bauxite problem in Kuantan, saying the state government had lost the plot and failed to be accountable to the people. "A realignment of priorities, encouraged by the MACC, would therefore be necessary to inspire confidence in state authorities, and help demonstrate genuine investigations, without fear or favour," the statement said. C4 also said the Pahang menteri besar was in denial by issuing contradictory statements that deny water pollution yet discourage people to consume from the water source. The anti-graft non-governmental organisation added that hiding state findings on water pollution levels behind the Official Secrets Act has not helped to gain the people's confidence. It said there was also the alleged issue of the RM180 million of untaxed bauxite profits, which should warrant a separate MACC investigation. "Public funds are being used for repairing and cleaning the streets due to bauxite transport trucks, rehabilitation of bauxite mines and the cleansing of polluted waters, when the misappropriated funds should be used for these public services," it said, adding that these questions must be answered before the three-month moratorium on bauxite mining beginning January 15 was lifted. C4 also urged for a shift towards sustainable, long-term economic goals in Kuantan, where short-term bauxite profits are used to reinvest into the state, and nurture any promising industries that may be beneficial to the growth of Pahang. With the right investments, the state could even shift into a cohesive part agriculture, part service industry, promoting the livelihood for current and future generations, and enhance the economic and social welfare of the state, it said. Bauxite mining in Kuantan started in early 2013 and its output increased exponentially in mid-2014 due to demand from China. The mineral is a main component in aluminium production. According to past records, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the state earned RM46.7 million in 2015 compared with RM24.4 million the previous year from bauxite mining in Kuantan. MACC has hauled up several Pahang Land and Mines Department officers to facilitate investigations into alleged corruption in bauxite mining in the state. – February 13, 2016.]]>