{
  "id": 2281750,
  "title": "GOF raids seven illegal sand mining sites across three states, seizes RM13m worth of assets",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/gof-raids-seven-illegal-sand-mining-sites-across-three-states-seizes-2281750",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T02:44:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/08/21/gof-raids-seven-illegal-sand-mining-sites-across-three-states-seizes-rm13m-worth-of-assets/232146"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On August 21, the General Operations Force (GOF) conducted raids on seven illegal sand mining sites located in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor. The operation, known as Ops Gali Mega, resulted in an estimated seizure value of RM13.26 million. At 11am, a total of 31 individuals were checked, and 15 were subsequently arrested for various offenses. The largest raid, conducted at 3.30pm, targeted a 0.647-hectare site covering Lot PT 89, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang Lama. This operation, conducted in collaboration with the Selangor Water Management Board, the Malaysian Immigration Department, and the Land and Mines Office, led to the arrest of 12 individuals, including five local men and seven foreign men. The team seized 1,500 tonnes of sand, heavy machinery, and sand washing equipment valued at RM5 million. The syndicate reportedly imported sand from outside areas, including construction site waste, which was then processed into fine sand and sold for around RM500 to RM600 per lorry. This processing released significant waste into nearby rivers, causing water pollution and turbidity. All arrested individuals are under investigation under the National Land Code Act 1965, the LUAS Enactment 1999, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the By-Laws Act 2021. GOF Central Brigade commander SAC Hakemal Hawari emphasized that no compromise would be made against those found involved in illegal activities and urged the public to report any suspicious activities in their areas.",
  "summary": "SHAH ALAM, Aug 21 — The General Operations Force (GOF) has cracked down on illegal mining activities after raiding...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "GOF raids seven illegal sand mining sites across three states, seizes RM13m worth of assets",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/gof-raids-seven-illegal-sand-mining-sites-across-three-states-seizes",
        "published": "2026-08-21T00:44:48.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}