KUANTAN: Concerted efforts are being carried out to curb the illegal mining of gold and iron ore in Pahang.
State Forestry Department director, Datuk Dr Mohd Hizamri Mohd Yasin, said continuous checks and operations at mining sites were being carried out, together with other agencies, namely, the state Land and Mines Office, Department of Environment, as well as the District and Land Office.
He said stern action would be taken against those mining natural resources without license.
“Encroachment of forest reserve and extraction forest produce without license are a violation of the National Forestry Act 1984. Upon conviction, the perpetrators could face a fine or jail term, or both.
“Meanwhile, other offences such as carrying out mining activities without a lease are under the purview of the Land and Mines Office,” he said when contacted today.
He was commenting on joint operation on areas identified for mining licenses and lease, or Op Ibam 2 at Ibam Forest Reserve in Rompin, last week which saw the arrest of 11 local men aged between 24 and 57.
A total of 140 officers on 24 four-wheel drive vehicles from eight enforcement agencies were deployed in the three-day operation which covered an area of 30,951ha.
Mohd Hizamri said the operation would be conducted in other forest areas in Lipis, Jerantut and Raub, which were known for gold mining.
He said large-scale mining activities carried out by individuals and groups using modern equipment were identified in several areas in the districts.
He said apart from contributing to the state’s loss in revenue, illegal mining also had adverse impact on the environment due to the uncontrolled tree-cutting and road constructions.
“We will not compromise with anyone who attempted to gain profit from the state natural resource through illegal means.
“A portion of the revenue obtained from mining activities (on state’s forest reserves) must be channeled to the government.
“Taking legal action against the culprits is the only way to deter them from repeating the same offence,” he said.