Bauxite mine graft: Remand of two land and mines officials extended

The remand period of two Pahang Land and Mines Department (PTG) officials, who were detained for corruption related to illegal bauxite mining in the state, has been extended to next week.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) director of investigations, Datuk Azam Baki said the remand of one of the suspects, aged 28, has been extended until Monday, while that of the 53-year-old suspect has been extended until Tuesday.

"Both suspects are expected to appear in court as soon as possible," he told Bernama when contacted here today.

Azam said the two suspects were among four Land and Mines officers who were detained on Jan 6, of whom two were charged in court yesterday.

He also confirmed that so far 10 Land and Mines officials have been remanded and summoned to facilitate investigations, while four civilians were also detained for allegedly acting as a mediators in the case.

PTG staff were detained for alleged involvement in the sale of Mineral Transfer Form (Form 13D) to operators of illegal mines.

The form, known as 'docket' by the locals, is issued by the Land and Mines department for a fee of RM1 but MACC found that it was sold at between RM150 and RM200 each.