Kuala lumpur: Police seized 33,000 tonnes of natural resources worth nearly RM21 million from 24 illegal mines in 10 states during the General Operations Force's (GOF) Ops Gali Mega from Aug 19 to 23. Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri announced that 99 individuals were arrested in the operation, consisting of 61 locals and 38 undocumented migrants aged between 18 and 64.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation targeted illegal activities involving kaolin, coal, stone, and soil quarries, as well as sand mines. Out of 45 locations inspected, 24 were found to be operating illegally, while another 21 had valid mining licenses, as disclosed by Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri during a press conference. The Technical Services Division senior director at the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), Datuk Ir Ahmad Zukni Ahmad Khalil, was also present at the press conference.
Besides natural resources, police seized 55 vehicles valued at nearly RM14.8 million, 87 pieces of heavy machinery worth RM38.7 million, and 194 units of mining equipment valued at RM44.3 million. The total value of all seizures amounted to nearly RM119 million. Mohd Yusri further revealed that investigations identified 32 individuals and 21 companies suspected of involvement, with the list handed over to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) for potential tax evasion inquiries.
The intelligence gathering preceding the operations lasted between two weeks and a month. The actual duration of the illegal mining operations remains under investigation, with some believed to have been active for three to five years. Sabah recorded the highest number of illegal mining locations detected at 14, followed by Sarawak (seven), Pahang (six), Selangor (four), Terengganu, Kelantan, and Perak (three each), Kedah (two), Negeri Sembilan (two), and Johor (one).
The police are continuing investigations into the entire illegal mining chain, including those who extract, purchase, and market the natural resources, which are believed to be traded illicitly on the black market. Ahmad Zukni emphasized that there are over 100 licensed mines currently operating nationwide, subject to strict conditions and controls to prevent environmental damage. Unauthorized mining activities pose significant environmental risks, including pollution, soil erosion, and habitat destruction.