GOF SEIZES 700,000KG OF MINERALS WORTH RM2.54 MLN IN SEGARI, LUMUT

IPOH, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Silico Manganese minerals weighing 700,000 kilogrammes (kg), estimated to be worth approximately RM2.54 million, were seized in an integrated enforcement operation by the Khazanah Integrated Intra-Agency Operation at a private jetty in Segari, Lumut, near Manjung, today.

General Operations Force (GOF) Ulu Kinta Northern Brigade commander SAC Shahrum Hashim said that during the 11 am to 6 pm operation, a large amount of the minerals was detected, stored at the Sungai Dindings Enterprise Sdn Bhd's private jetty area ​​in Jalan Cempaka Segari in Lumut.

He said the minerals were believed to have been stored for more than a week and had not received approval from the Perak Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG). 

"The initial inspection results in the area around the jetty found 250 jumbo sacks, each believed to contain 1,000 kg of Silico Manganese minerals with an estimated total weight of 250,000 kg.

“Further inspection was then carried out by the raiding team in the warehouse area in the jetty area and found another 450 jumbo sacks weighing 1,000 kg each, with a total weightage of 450,000 kg,” he said in a statement tonight.

Shahrum said the initial investigation found that all the Silico Manganese minerals were brought in from India to be exported to Myanmar for use in the iron-making industry, with Malaysia being used as a temporary transit hub before the minerals were taken out to Myanmar by waterway.

He said a 45-year-old local man was also arrested in the operation involving the GOF with the assistance of a team of officers from the Perak Land and Mines Office, the Perak JMG, and the Criminal Investigation Division of the Manjung police headquarters (IPD).

“The case is being investigated under Regulation 6(1)(a) of the Mineral Development (Effluent) Regulations 2016 which provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for five years, or both, if convicted.

He said patrols and surveillance would continue to be carried out around Perak, Kedah, Penang, and Perlis to curb criminal activities involving offences under the Khazanah Integrated Op.

-- BERNAMA