The Malaysian General Operations Force (GOF) conducted simultaneous raids on August 20 targeting illegal mining operations across five states, arresting 45 individuals and seizing assets valued at approximately RM45 million [1, 2, 3].
In Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor, the GOF’s Ops Gali Mega team raided seven sites, detaining 15 suspects and confiscating assets worth about RM13.26 million. At a key site in Selangor’s Lot PT 89, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang Lama, authorities seized 1,500 tonnes of sand along with heavy machinery and sand processing equipment valued near RM5 million. SAC Hakemal Hawari, GOF Central Brigade commander, said, "The operation team also seized 1,500 tonnes of sand, heavy machinery and sand washing and processing equipment with an estimated value of RM5 million at this location alone" [1, 3].
Twelve people were arrested at the Selangor site, including five local men and seven foreign nationals. The sand processing involved washing construction waste into fine sand sold at RM500 to RM600 per lorry. SAC Hakemal noted that the process discharged soil washing waste directly into a nearby river, causing "significant water pollution and turbidity" [1, 3].
Separately, the GOF Northern Brigade conducted raids from 7 a.m. to midnight on sites in Perak and Kedah, arresting 30 individuals ranging from local managers to foreign workers aged in their 20s to 60s from Myanmar and Indonesia. They seized minerals and machinery valued at RM31.7 million. The haul included 3,714 jumbo bags of processed silica sand (about 3,714 tonnes), roughly 60 kilograms of iron ore concentrate, and around 60 tonnes of semi-processed kaolin powder. Assistant Commissioner Jafri Muhamad, acting commander of the Northern Brigade, said, "Inspections found that the premises were involved in the mining and processing of silica sand, kaolin and iron ore without approval from the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) and the Land and Mines Office" [2].
The GOF said all operations were conducted in collaboration with government agencies. Investigations are ongoing under existing mineral, immigration, and land laws [1, 2, 3].
Ops Gali Mega began at 11 a.m. August 20 for the central region raids and started earlier at 7 a.m. in the north. The raids marked a large coordinated effort targeting illegal mining activities affecting multiple parts of Malaysia. Authorities remain vigilant in combating environmental harm and unlawful resource extraction.
