PGA gempur kawasan lombong emas, peralatan lebih RM1.13 juta dirampas

Malaysia's Royal Malaysia Police (PGA) conducted a raid on a gold prospecting site in Gua Musang, seizing various equipment, including heavy mining tools worth over RM1.13 million. Four individuals, including Chinese nationals aged 19 to 64, were arrested during Operation Mega Gali (Eastern Zone) in Kuala Betis on Thursday evening. The operation involved the Air Movement Unit (PGU) from Bukit Aman and the Kelantan Minerals and Mining Department (PTG).

When the raid commenced, the gates surrounding the prospecting area were found locked, and an inspection revealed four suspicious men. Further examination of the entire area uncovered equipment suspected of being used in illegal gold mining activities. This led to the seizure of various equipment, including two harnesses, safety gear, a harness, and a binding machine, amounting to a total value of more than RM1.13 million.

During the search, one individual reportedly turned over a duplicate application for a permit to extract sand from Sungai Nenggiri, Kuala Betis, dated January 31, 2024. Based on initial inspections, the activities were allegedly conducted in the area without a valid permit, related to illegal gold mining, according to Section 158 of the Minerals Act 2001. Further investigations will be conducted by the relevant authorities to determine the true nature of the activities.