KUCHING: Illegal mining and earth-moving activities across Sarawak have landed 14 local men in trouble, with enforcement authorities seizing coal, river sand, soil, heavy machinery and vessels worth more than RM40.55 million.
The haul was uncovered during ‘Ops Gali Mega’, a four-day joint operation by Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) and Sarawak Land and Survey Department at seven locations across Kuching, Bau, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Mukah and Limbang from Aug 19 to 22.
Sarawak GOF Brigade Commander SAC Datuk Lim Bak Phai said preliminary inspections found suspected breaches of the Sarawak Land Code at three locations.
“Mukah produced the biggest haul, with four local men arrested at a coal collection and storage site.
“Authorities seized about 8,525 tonnes of coal, four excavators, a crane, two barges and two tugboats, with the total value estimated at RM24.46 million,” he said.
The operation also uncovered suspected unauthorised earthworks and river sand activities in Kota Samarahan, where 10 local men were arrested in two separate operations.
Lim said the first operation targeted the excavation and transportation of soil, resulting in the seizure of about 20 tonnes of soil, six lorries and two excavators.
Meanwhile, the second involved the alleged collection, transportation and sale of river sand. It resulted in the seizure of about 2,986 tonnes of river sand, a tugboat, a barge, two lorries, an excavator and a digital weighing scale.
The suspects and all seized items were handed over to the Mukah and Samarahan Land and Survey Divisions for further investigation under the Sarawak Land Code.
Lim reminded operators involved in mining, excavation, transportation, collection and sale of natural resources to ensure they have valid permits and approvals before carrying out their activities.
He warned that operating without the required permits could result in legal action.
