JERANTUT: The Khazanah Integrated Operations (OBK) has now been expanded to include the protection of rare earth elements (REE) and minerals, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim said.
He said all of the country's treasures must be preserved and protected from being encroached upon and exploited by irresponsible parties.
"In addition to focusing on combating wildlife and environmental crimes, OBK also emphasises the protection of all elements of the nation's treasures, including REE and minerals, which is a new focus,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference following an OBK meeting at Taman Negara here on Monday (Oct 21), which was also attended by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Abdul Kadir noted that in June, this operation successfully thwarted an attempt to illegally mine gold near Taman Negara Kelantan, with an estimated seizure value of RM700,000.
"The OBK team also arrested three Myanmar nationals, one Thai national and two locals along with machinery and equipment for mining.
"We will always act based on information and intelligence, and prompt action will be taken to protect the nation's treasures,” he said.
Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation to the Customs Department for successfully thwarting an attempt to smuggle 21 containers containing 340,000 kilogrammes of African rosewood and another container carrying over 10,000 pieces of red sandalwood at Port Klang recently, with a total seizure value of RM73mil.
He said as of September, a total of 240 investigation papers had been opened, and 221 individuals, including 51 foreigners, had been detained for various criminal offences through OBK, with total seizures and confiscations amounting to over RM122mil.- Bernama
