However, he pointed out that the move to check the situation now was a case of better late than never.

“Perhaps there was some weakness on our part, for the delayed action in this case. However, it’s better that we’ve taken action now, than to have not acted at all,” he told reporters at a press conference at Menara Dato Onn today.

The Umno Youth chief said the wing supported the government’s decision to impose a three-month moratorium on bauxite mining but requested the moratorium be maintained until the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) completes its investigation.

“We request that the moratorium be extended until there is a holistic solution to the health issues, environmental pollution, and other hazards caused by the transporting of bauxite by lorries.”

The Rembau lawmaker added, “Hopefully, the MACC investigations will not stop at the lower echelons and a thorough job be done until the culprits are nabbed.”

Last week, the anti-graft agency arrested four Land and Mines Office (PTG) employees, including a senior officer, suspected of requesting and receiving bribes from unlicensed bauxite miners. Today two more were detained.

MACC had revealed that bribes were given to shield illegal miners from enforcement officers.

On January 6, Putrajaya slapped a three-month moratorium on bauxite mining activities in Pahang starting January 15.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Wan Junaidi Wan Jaafar said that if the industry failed to contain pollution within the stipulated period, the moratorium would be extended.