GOF busts illegal sand mining in Kelantan, seizes equipment worth RM2mil

The Star

13-05-2025

Some of the seized equipment during the operation in Kuala Krai. – courtesy GOF via BERNAMA
KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) has cracked down on illegal sand mining activities in a river near Kampung Pahi, Kuala Krai under Ops Taring Wawasan.
GOF South-East Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Kota Baru Land and Mines Office at 4.15pm on Sunday (May 11).
He said the inspection found that the activitt was being carried out by three local men and three Bangladeshis, who failed to show valid permits or documents for sand extraction.
"The police detained and seized all equipment and machinery such as sand suction vessels, excavators, lorries and other equipment used to move sand estimated at RM2mil.
"The case is being investigated under Section 426 of the National Land Code 1965. The suspects and the seized items were handed over to the Kota Baru Land and Mines Office for further action," he said in a statement on Tuesday (May 13).
He added that GOF also foiled coconut smuggling activities after detaining a trailer and two lorries in Kampung Terbak, Tumpat on Sunday.
"The results of the inspection found that three local men were transferring approximately 45,100kg (45 tonnes) of coconuts from the trailer to the lorries and failed to show purchase documents.
"The estimated value of the seizure is RM1.35mil including the vehicles and the case is being investigated under Regulation 4(2) of the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) Act 1965 and Coconut Marketing Plan 1973. The suspect and the seized items were handed over to the Fama Kota Baru Office for further action," he said. – Bernama