KOTA KINABALU: Reports on mining issues are aimed at tarnishing Sabah's reputation, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
"I am aware of reports published by certain portals, such as Malaysiakini, which seem aimed at tarnishing the government's image and myself as its leader.
"The state government leaves it entirely to the authorities to investigate and take appropriate action if there is any element of wrongdoing or abuse of power.
"As for the details, I'm unable to elaborate further as the matter is under investigation, and any statement could jeopardise the process.
"However, I assure this assembly that the current management of Sabah Mineral Management (SMM) operates with good governance," he said in his winding-up speech on the Sabah 2025 Budget at the state legislative assembly.
He said all considerations and approvals were made through its board meetings.
Hajiji said SMM had submitted a report concerning the scandal to the relevant authorities, including the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Sabah Opposition Chief Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal urged Hajiji to explain the situation regarding videos implicating Sabah assemblymen in bribery.
Mohd Shafie, who is also the Senallang assemblyman and Parti Warisan president, said he wanted clarification, as the opposition was also mentioned in connection with the fiasco.
However, Hajiji clarified that the leaders had not blamed specific opposition parties, but indicated that supporters of the opposition could also be perceived as "opposition."
He said SMM is a wholly state-owned company that was established to manage the mineral sector.
"This initiative is a strategic step to ensure a more organised, focused, and effective management of mineral resources, maximising the potential for new revenue streams for the Sabah state government in the future.
"To date, as reported by the SMM Board of Directors, we have issued 26 Prospecting Licenses (PL) under Section 6 of the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960, for a period of two years.
"Of these, 2 PLs were voluntarily withdrawn by the license holders, 1 PL was cancelled, and 4 PLs expired due to factors such as a lack of significant exploration progress within the two-year period, lack of consent from SFMLA (Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement) holders, or permissions from the Forestry Department to enter certain areas.
"The remaining PLs are in Totally Protected Areas (TPA) or sensitive water catchment areas."
Currently, 19 PLs are active and are solely for exploration purposes to determine whether economically viable minerals exist, he said.
"Applications for mining leases will only be considered if prospecting results prove the presence of valuable minerals.
"The state government will deliberate during cabinet meetings before any mining lease is issued.
"I reiterate that prospecting activities do not equate to mining operations, and no mining licenses have been issued to date."