99 arrested, RM119m in assets seized in illegal mining crackdown
Malaysian authorities have arrested 99 individuals and seized RM119 million in assets following a crackdown on illegal mining operations across 10 states. The operation targeted heavy machinery and mineral resources, with investigations now looking into potential tax evasion by involved companies.
Why it matters
Illegal mining poses significant environmental risks and results in substantial revenue loss for the state.
Bukit Aman internal security and public order department director Yusri Hassan Basri during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 24 illegal mines were detected at 45 locations inspected under Op Gali Mega across 10 states, with the total value of seizures amounting to nearly RM119 million.
Bukit Aman internal security and public order department director Yusri Hassan Basri said around 33,000 tonnes of natural resources worth nearly RM21 million were seized during the General Operations Force's (GOF) Aug 19-23 operation.
The operation also saw 99 people arrested, comprising 61 Malaysians and 38 foreigners.
Yusri said the largest seizures involved 87 pieces of heavy machinery worth nearly RM38.7 million, 55 vehicles worth almost RM14 million, and 194 pieces of various mining equipment valued at about RM44.3 million.
The 33,000 tonnes of mineral resources included coal, quarry stone, earth and sand.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in