3 days ago
GOF seizes over RM1mil in illegal gold mining equipment in Kelantan
GUA MUSANG: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized illegal gold mining equipment worth more than RM1 million during a raid here yesterday.
However, no arrests were made during the operation at an illegal mining site in Kampung Pulai.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the raid was carried out jointly by its Eighth Battalion and the Kelantan Mineral and Geoscience Department.
"The team raided the area at about 11am and discovered a suspicious tent located among oil palm trees.
"After waiting for nearly an hour and with no one coming forward, they proceeded to seize the equipment, believed to have been used for illegal gold mining activities," he said today.
Ros Azhan said the seized items included three excavators, water suction pumps and sluice boxes (palong).
He said that initial investigations revealed the illegal mining operation had been running for about six months.
All seized items were handed over to the Kelantan Land and Mines Office for further investigation.
"The Land and Mines Office will also trace the owners of the excavators for possible fines," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 137(1)(b) of the Kelantan Mineral Enactment 2001.
