Kuantan: Six men, including two Indonesian nationals, were detained by the General Operations Force (PGA) yesterday over the suspected illegal transfer of sea sand at Kuantan Port in Gebeng.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the PGA Southeast Brigade announced via Facebook today that the arrests were made around 10 a.m. during Ops Bersepadu Khazanah by its 7th Battalion in collaboration with the Pahang State Enforcement Unit. The authorities also seized a dredger vessel with piping, two excavators, a bulldozer, and approximately 250 tonnes of sea sand, with the total value estimated at RM10.28 million.

Initial investigations indicated that the site is owned by a local company conducting reclamation work in the marine area, which is purportedly under development as a new maritime hub. The land reclamation using sea sand reportedly began in March, executed by a dredger vessel in open waters.

Further checks revealed that the sand dredging operation lacked a valid licence or approval from the relevant authorities. The PGA Southeast Brigade confirmed that the detainees and seized items have been handed over to the Pahang State Enforcement Unit for further action. Additionally, sand samples have been sent to the Department of Mineral and Geoscience for analysis.