Gua musang: The General Operations Force (GOF) thwarted illegal gold mining activities in Kampung Pulai, Gua Musang, with the seizure of assets and equipment worth over RM1 million during Operasi Bersepadu Khazanah yesterday. GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid reported that personnel from Battalion 8 in Pengkalan Chepa, supported by officers from the Kota Bharu Land and Mines Office (PTG), conducted the raid following intelligence and public complaints about illegal mining in the area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operations team discovered a suspicious tent in an oil palm plantation near the foothills during the raid at 11 am. Further inspection led to the discovery of various heavy machinery and equipment believed to have been used for unauthorized mining activities. The items seized included three excavators of various types with no registration numbers, three water suction pumps, three sluice boxes, and four sluice carpets, with the total value estimated at RM1.09 million.

GOF stated that no arrests were made during the operation, as the site was believed to have been vacated before the raiding team arrived. A one-hour observation also did not lead to the presence of any individuals at the location.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the illegal mining operation had been running for about six months. The seized items have been handed over to the Kota Bharu PTG for further action, including tracking down the machinery owners. The case will be investigated under Section 137(1)(b) of the Mineral Enactment 2001.