IPOH: A total of 700,000 kg of silico manganese minerals worth over RM2.5mil was seized during an integrated enforcement operation conducted at a private jetty in Segari, Lumut.
General Operations Force Northern Brigade commander Senior Asst Comm Shahrum Hashim said the operation, codenamed “Op Bersepadu Khazanah” was carried out Thursday (Nov 6).
He said the enforcement team found the minerals stored at a private jetty.
“Checks revealed 250 sacks near the jetty, each containing about 1,000kg of the mineral, while another 450 sacks were discovered inside a warehouse within the same premises.
“In total, about 700,000kg of the minerals, valued at RM2.54mil, were seized,” he said in a statement Thursday.
SAC Shahrum said preliminary investigations found that the minerals had been imported from India and were intended to be exported to Myanmar for use in the iron manufacturing industry.
He said Malaysia was being used as a temporary transit hub before the shipment was transported overseas by sea.
“A 45-year-old local man has been arrested to assist in the investigation.
“The case is being investigated under Regulation 6(1)(a) of the Mineral Development (Effluent) Regulations 2016, which carries a penalty of a fine up to RM100,000 or five years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction,” he said.
He added that the suspect and the seized items have been handed over to the Perak Minerals and Geoscience Department further action.
“This operation reflects the continuous commitment of the force in combating illegal activities that violate national laws.
“I also urged the public to be the eyes and ears of the authorities by reporting any suspicious or unlawful activities in their area,” he added.
