{
  "id": 3750674,
  "title": "99 arrested, RM119m in assets seized in illegal mining crackdown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/99-arrested-rm119m-in-assets-seized-in-illegal-mining-crackdown-3750674",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T13:14:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/27/99-arrested-rm119m-in-assets-seized-in-illegal-mining-crackdown"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: In a major crackdown on illegal mining, the Internal Security and Public Order Department (Bukit Aman) arrested 99 individuals and seized assets valued at nearly RM119 million across 45 locations in 10 states. Chief of the department, Yusri Hassan Basri, disclosed that the operation, named Op Gali Mega, took place from August 19-23, and resulted in the detection of 24 illegal mines. The seized natural resources, amounting to around 33,000 tonnes, included coal, quarry stone, earth, and sand, with a value of nearly RM21 million. The operation also led to the seizure of 87 pieces of heavy machinery worth RM38.7 million, 55 vehicles valued at RM14 million, and 194 pieces of various mining equipment valued at RM44.3 million. The arrested individuals comprised 61 Malaysians and 38 foreigners. Authorities have handed over the list of suspects to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for further investigation into potential tax leakages. The majority of the inspected sites were in Sabah, followed by Sarawak, Pahang, Selangor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, and Johor. The suspects are believed to have extensive knowledge and experience in the mining industry, possibly including expertise from overseas, such as China. Bukit Aman plans to continue the integrated operation in cooperation with the minerals and geoscience department and other enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining activities.",
  "summary": "Around 33,000 tonnes of natural resources, including coal, quarry stone, earth and sand, worth RM21 million were seized during the Aug 19-23 operation.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}