Pahang to Intensify Mineral Enforcement Following Raub Iron Ore Seizure, Says MB

KUANTAN, Aug 30 — The Pahang state government will step up enforcement operations against illegal mineral resource activities to ensure all mining operations strictly comply with the law, according to Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.

Wan Rosdy emphasized that state authorities will take an uncompromising stance against any party disregarding licensing, permit, and statutory approval requirements. He noted that enforcement will be continually reinforced using advanced intelligence gathering and monitoring technologies, such as drone surveillance, to ensure the state’s mineral resources are managed responsibly and legally.

The decision follows a comprehensive investigation ordered by the Menteri Besar into the unauthorized transport of suspected iron ore in Raub yesterday. Intelligence operations, including aerial drone monitoring, identified three trailers carrying minerals out of a mining area before they were intercepted for inspection by the Pahang Enforcement Unit (UPNP).

Upon inspection, enforcement officers discovered that the drivers presented Form 13D and Delivery Orders containing approvals meant for entirely different locations. Further checks revealed that the actual mineral stockpile was situated on land under a temporary occupation licence outside the permitted mining boundary, with all three drivers failing to produce valid permits or authorization for that specific site.

“The three individuals detained were taken to the Bentong district police headquarters (IPD) and subsequently released on police bail, while the three seized vehicles were taken to the UPNP Central Pahang Zone seizure site in Temerloh,” Wan Rosdy said.

The arrests and vehicle seizures were conducted under Section 137 of the Pahang State Mineral Enactment 2001. Authorities are also investigating related offenses involving false information and breaches of license terms under Sections 159 and 165 of the same enactment.

–NMT