The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is urging the public against believing that investigations related to bauxite mining can be settled by paying middlemen.

MACC Director of Investigations Datuk Azam Baki said rumours on the payment were spread by irresponsible quarters, who were trying to take advantage of the situation.

"We carry out our duties transparently and professionally. Don't believe the rumours. Any problem must be referred to MACC and not to unrelated quarters," he told Bernama here, today.

Azam also urged those with information on the payment or bauxite issues to come forward to help MACC.

MACC was now actively investigating corruption issues in bauxite mining here, and, to date, nine individuals including six officers in the Pahang Land and Mine Office (PTG) had been remanded to help in investigation.

The suspects were involved in the sale of Mineral Transfer Form (Form 13D) to illegal mining operators whereby the forms which were issued by PTG at RM1 each were sold at RM150 to RM200 each.

Three more arrested were members of the public including a woman, who were believed to be involved in paying bribes to protect illegal bauxite miners.