THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered new leads in its investigation into the theft of rare earth elements (REE) in Kedah, said its chief Azam Baki.

He said over the course of the probe, the MACC engaged experts’ services to determine, via laboratory tests, the quantity of and time frame in which the REE was believed to have been stolen.

“Investigations are ongoing into corruption, abuse of power and breach of trust against the people and enforcement agencies involved,” he said when contacted today.

He declined to comment further for fear it would hamper the investigation.

In July, the media reported 10 executive council members were called up by the MACC to give their statements to assist in the investigation.

It was also reported a senior officer of Kedah Menteri Besar Inc and a woman, who was the director of a company, were arrested by the MACC to assist in an investigation involving abuse of power and graft of over RM13 million, linked to illegal REE mining.

Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor confirmed in September he had given his statement to the MACC about the case. – Bernama, October 6, 2023.