GOF arrests 30, seizes RM31.7mil worth of minerals, machinery in Perak, Kedah

IPOH: The General Operations Force Northern Brigade seized minerals and machinery worth RM31.7 million during a crackdown on illegal mining and processing in Perak and Kedah. Acting commander Assistant Commissioner Jafri Muhamad announced the operation, known as Op Gali Mega, which involved 64 officers from the Northern Brigade headquarters, Battalions 1, 3, and 18.

The four-day operation, conducted from 7am to midnight yesterday, targeted four premises suspected of unlicensed mining and processing activities involving silica sand, kaolin, and iron ore. Inspectors found the premises operating without approval from the Minerals and Geoscience Department and Land and Mines Office in both states.

Jafri revealed the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Land and Mines Office, Department of Environment, local authorities, and the Criminal Investigation Departments of Perak and Kedah police contingents. Of the 30 people detained, 15 were men and two women, including managers of the premises, while 10 were Myanmar nationals and one was Indonesian.

The seized items included 3,714 jumbo bags of processed silica sand, 900 sacks of semi-processed kaolin powder, and 30 jumbo bags of semi-processed kaolin powder. Various machinery and equipment used for extraction and processing were also seized. The cases have been handed over to relevant agencies for investigation under various laws.

JMG is investigating silica sand and iron ore under Regulation 6(4) of the Mineral Development (Licensing) Regulations 2016, while the CID is looking into immigration offenses for 16 foreigners.