Terengganu MB rubbishes New York Times report

The Terengganu government has come out to deny allegations made by a China businessman that he earned rights to mine iron in Bukit Besi through close ties with politicians and royalty.

Mentri Besar Datuk Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said the allegations, made by a certain Li Yang who claims to be the chairman of CAA Resources in the New York Times, were “lies, defamatory and baseless”.

“The state government had never authorised this company, CAA Resources, to mine in Bukit Besi, whether directly or through a different company.

“The said company has also never dealt with the Land and Mine office as well as the Terengganu Heritage Fund Board, who has been entrusted to oversee mining operations at Bukit Besi.

Ahmad Razif said the state government welcomed the move by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe the allegations and added that he will also consider taking legal action over the matter.