KOTA BHARU, July 3 — The General Operations Force (GOF) thwarted illegal gold mining activities in Kampung Pulai, Gua Musang, Kelantan, with the seizure of assets and equipment worth over RM1 million during Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah yesterday.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said personnel from Battalion 8 in Pengkalan Chepa and officers from the Kota Bharu Land and Mines Office (PTG) raided the place following intelligence and public complaints about illegal mining in the area.
“In the raid at 11am, the operations team discovered a suspicious tent in an oil palm plantation near the foothills.
“Further inspection led to the discovery of various heavy machinery and equipment believed to have been used for unauthorised mining activities. Among the items seized were three excavators of various types with no registration numbers, three water suction pumps, three sluice boxes, and four sluice carpets, with the total value estimated at RM1.09 million,” he said in a statement today.
No arrests were made during the operation, as the site was believed to have been vacated before the raiding team arrived.
A one-hour observation also did not lead to the presence of any individuals at the location.
“Preliminary investigations found that the illegal mining operation had been running for about six months.
“The seized items have been handed over to the Kota Bharu PTG for further action, including tracking down the machinery owners. The case will be investigated under Section 137(1)(b) of the Mineral Enactment 2001,” Ros Azhan said.
— Bernama
