23-05-2025
Four nabbed, excavator and 'lori hantu' seized in Pahang illegal earth-moving raid
PEKAN: Enforcement officers conducting surveillance along Jalan Kuantan-Segamat near Paloh Hinai today uncovered illegal earth-moving activities after deploying a drone for an aerial view of the area.
The Pahang Enforcement Unit's (UPNP) elite team arrested four men, including an Indonesian national, and seized an excavator along with two lori hantu (unlicensed lorries) at the site.
UPNP elite team head Saifullah Muhammad Ali said 11 enforcement officers were deployed to the Jalan Kuantan-Segamat stretch for routine monitoring and surveillance at around 9am.
"About 10.15am, the drone operator spotted earth being dug and moved at a site in Paloh Hinai. An excavator and two tipper lorries were seen operating at the location.
"Roughly 15 minutes later, the enforcement team arrived at the site. They ordered the Indonesian national who was operating the excavator, along with the two tipper lorry drivers, to cease their activities for inspection," he told the Pahang Media news portal.
Saifullah said a fourth suspect arrived at the site around 11.30am, claiming to be in charge of the operations, but failed to produce any documentation or approvals related to the activities.
He said the four men were detained and are being investigated for the unlawful extraction or removal of rock minerals or sand. They were taken to the Pekan police headquarters for further questioning.
