Illegal sand mines raided in three states, seizures total RM13.26 million

Malaysian authorities have successfully dismantled illegal sand mining activities across three states, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, through a coordinated operation dubbed Ops Gali Mega. The crackdown resulted in the seizure of assets valued at approximately RM13.26 million, signaling a significant blow to illicit mining syndicates.

Brigade Commander of the Central General Operations Force (PGA), SAC Hakemal Hawari, reported that the operation commenced on Wednesday morning and involved inspecting 31 individuals. Fifteen people were detained for various offenses linked to the illegal mining operations. The raids targeted seven separate locations, disrupting a widespread network of illicit activities.

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In total, 31 individuals were inspected during the operation, with 15 of them detained for various offenses.

In a recent raid on Thursday afternoon, authorities focused on a 0.647-hectare site in the Subang Airport Road area, believed to be processing sand without authorization. This operation, conducted in collaboration with the Selangor Water Management Board (LUAS), the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), and the Land and Mines Office (PTG), led to the arrest of 12 individuals, including five Malaysians and seven foreign nationals. Approximately RM5 million worth of sand, heavy machinery, and processing equipment were confiscated at this single location.

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The operation carried out at the site successfully detained 12 people, consisting of five local men and seven foreign men. The operation team also seized 1,500 tons of sand, heavy machinery, and sand washing and processing equipment, with the estimated value of seizures at this location alone amounting to RM5 million.

Hakemal detailed the syndicate's modus operandi, explaining that sand, allegedly sourced from outside areas including construction site waste, was washed and processed into fine sand. This processed sand was then sold at prices ranging from RM500 to RM600 per lorry. The illegal operations, typically conducted during daylight hours, discharged wastewater directly into nearby rivers, causing considerable pollution and turbidity.

Arrestees are being investigated under various laws, including the National Land Code 1965, the LUAS Enactment 1999, the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Minor Offences Act 2021. Hakemal affirmed the authorities' zero-tolerance policy towards illegal activities and urged the public to report any suspicious activities in their communities.

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We will not compromise with any party found to be involved in illegal activities.