FRU Raids Illegal Gold Mine In Gua Musang, Three Foreigners Held

KOTA BHARU, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- Three foreign men were arrested on suspicion of carrying out illegal gold mining activities in an oil palm plantation in Sungai Seting, Gua Musang, in an integrated operation that began as early as 5.30 am yesterday.

Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) Commander, SAC Rosli Md Yusof said all the suspects, aged in their 30s, consisted of two Myanmar nationals and an Indonesian.

He said the operation, which was the result of intelligence by Bukit Aman FRU and Kota Bharu Land and Mines Office (PTG), succeeded in busting illegal gold mining while the suspects also failed to produce valid travel documents.

"Also seized in the operation was a hydraulic excavator worth almost RM450,000 as well as several mining machines and equipment with the total amount seized estimated to be worth RM510,021.

"The case is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Section 425 of the National Land Code 1965, while all suspects were handed over to the police for further action. The seized items were handed over to Kelantan PTG," he said in a statement today.

Rosli said the operation was the result of the implementation of bureaucratic reforms which emphasises a more integrated approach with the involvement of various agencies.

"Operations such as this prove the commitment of PDRM together with other enforcement agencies in combating illegal mining activities which are detrimental to the country. We will continue to intensify integrated operations from time to time so that the country's natural resources are always preserved," he said.

He stressed that the integrated action would not only have an impact from an enforcement perspective, but would also send a clear message that the authorities would come down hard on any attempt to encroach or exploit natural resources without permission.

-- BERNAMA