Ex-CEO went against SMM board decisions on mining licences, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: The former chief executive officer of state-owned company Sabah Minerals Management Sdn Bhd (SMM), Jontih Enggihon, acted against the decision of the board of directors in issuing mining and prospecting licences, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor told the Sabah Assembly.

“I am not accusing anything but if based on reports, the ex-CEO did not act based on the board’sdecisions,” he said while winding up the tabling of the 2025 Sabah Budget on Wednesday (Nov 20).

“The board makes certain decisions but he does something else, issues letters approving the prospecting licence for some companies,” he said.

Hajiji added the state reported this to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the police.

“Let the authorities investigate and find out the truth,” adding that he could not reveal details because of the ongoing investigation.

However, he said there were 19 active prospecting licences from the 26 issued.

Hajiji said from the 26, two were withdrawn, one cancelled and four automatically expired due to inactivity after two years.

He assured the House that these were just prospecting licences and not mining licences.

He said prospecting licences are to find out if there are minerals present before mining licences or leases are issued.

Hajiji also gave his assurance that the current SMM) management is systematic and all majordecisions are made by board members.

On questions from the opposition on who issued the licences, Hajiji said he would direct the SMM to provide the full details to assemblymen if they go to the SMM office.

He also said that the videos shared in an online news portal were politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing his image as Chief Minister.

Sabah Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya said since the video is under investigation, all allegations, or that it was AI-doctored and so on, was best left for authorities to investigate and appropriate action would be taken.