Illegal gold mine in Aur Gading forest reserve uncovered

AGOLD mine operating illegally in a forest reserve here was busted when three foreigners aged between 23 and 31 were nabbed. The West Pahang State Forestry Department (JPNP) Enforcement Unit uncovered their activities during a raid at the Aur Gading forest reserve on Thursday.

West Pahang Forestry Enforcement zone unit chief Zahari Samsudin and nine other personnel conducted the surprise raid after receiving information of illegal gold mining activities in compartment 17 of the forest reserve, located near Sungai Leboh.

Senior Assistant Director (West Pahang Zone Enforcement) Azmi Mohd Zain said the three individuals detained comprised two Myanmar nationals holding United Nations Commissioner for Refugees cards and a Thai national.

Among the items confiscated were mining equipment, stoves, gold bars, electric generators, saws, cutters, water suction pumps and vehicle batteries.

“The three foreigners who were detained were released on bail after paying RM10,000 each.

“They will be charged in court after the investigation is completed.”

Azmi did not rule out the possibility that other people were using the foreigners as workers and revealed that an individual known to the three would come every week to monitor their work and collect the gold which had been mined.

He said they were trying to locate the mastermind or individual involved in the opening of the gold mine, whose activities destroyed trees in the forest reserve.

“Some of the forest reserves in the area have been the focus of individuals engaging in illegal gold mining activities.

“We will not compromise on those who commit any forestry offenses, including logging and transporting (of logs) as well mining activities without permits.

“The perpetrators will be prosecuted under the National Forestry Act (APN) 1984.”