General Operations Force seized 700,000 kg of Silico Manganese minerals worth RM2.54 million at a Segari jetty, arresting one suspect in the operation.
IPOH: The General Operations Force seized 700,000 kg of Silico Manganese minerals valued at RM2.54 million during an integrated enforcement operation at a private jetty in Segari, Lumut.
GOF Ulu Kinta Northern Brigade commander SAC Shahrum Hashim said the minerals were discovered stored at Sungai Dindings Enterprise Sdn Bhd’s private jetty area in Jalan Cempaka Segari.
He stated the minerals had been stored for over a week without approval from the Perak Department of Minerals and Geoscience.
Initial inspections revealed 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 in the warehouse area uncovered an additional 450 jumbo sacks weighing 1,000 kg each, bringing the total seizure to 700,000 kg.
Shahrum said initial investigations indicated the minerals were imported from India for export to Myanmar’s iron-making industry.
Malaysia was being used as a temporary transit hub before the minerals were shipped to Myanmar by waterway.
A 45-year-old local man was arrested during the operation involving multiple enforcement agencies.
The case is being investigated under Regulation 6(1)(a) of the Mineral Development (Effluent) Regulations 2016.
This regulation provides for a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for five years, or both, upon conviction.
Shahrum confirmed patrols and surveillance would continue around Perak, Kedah, Penang, and Perlis to curb criminal activities under the Khazanah Integrated Op. – Bernama
