Two illegal tin ore miners were arrested in a recent raid by the Hulu Perak Land and District Office’s enforcement unit at Kenderong forest reserve in the district.
Six motorcycles with mining equipment and tents were also seized during the raid and brought to a store in Bandariang, Gerik. Some other suspects, however, managed to escape.
A report regarding the case has been lodged to the Gerik police station. The arrested suspects were released on bail after statements have been recorded.
If convicted, the suspects may face charges under Section 32 of the National Forestry Act 1984 for unauthorised activities in a permanent forest reserve (HSK). They may either be fined not more than RM50,000.00, jailed for not more than five years, or both.
As of now, the case is still pending complete investigation by the state forestry department.
Rosli Mansor
