Six Myanmar nationals held in RM1.2mil Lipis illegal mining raid

LIPIS: In a recent illegal iron ore mining site raid, authorities apprehended six undocumented Myanmar nationals and seized equipment and vehicles valued at approximately RM1.2 million. The workers, aged between 22 and 39, had been employed at the Sungai Lik, Cheka site for about a month when an enforcement team, as part of Operation Bersepadu Khazanah, raided the premises at 2:30 pm. The General Operations Force (GOF), Pahang State Enforcement Unit (UPNP), and Lipis police collaborated in the operation.

GOF Southeast Brigade commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain, disclosed that the enforcement team identified the site's six foreign workers clearing soil. Upon questioning, none of the men could provide identification documents or approval for mining activities at the location. All six were taken to the Lipis police headquarters, while seized machinery and vehicles were handed over to UPNP.

Investigations revealed that the Myanmar nationals had been working as laborers for a local man since 2024. They were employed at the illegal mining site for around 13 hours daily and earned RM10 per hour. They dug soil and performed mining activities at the site without any authorization from local or state authorities.

The case is being investigated under Section 426(1) of the National Land Code, which prescribes a maximum penalty of RM500,000 in fines, up to five years in prison, or both. Additionally, the men face charges under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for entering and staying in the country without valid travel documents.