Posted on April 23, 2026
By T.n.alagesh
KUANTAN: Six men, including two Indonesians, were arrested for allegedly carrying out illegal dredging and sand mining activities near Kuantan Port yesterday.
The 10am raid led to the seizure of a sand dredging vessel, heavy machinery and 250 tonnes of sea sand, with an estimated total value of RM10.28 million.
The joint operation, dubbed Op Bersepadu Khazanah, was carried out by the General Operations Force (GOF) and the Pahang enforcement unit (UPNP) following a tip-off on unauthorised extraction activities.
GOF Southeast Brigade commander Ahmad Radzi Hussain said officers observed a group of men allegedly extracting sand at the site.
“The individuals failed to produce any licence, permit or approval documents related to the activity.
“Six individuals, including the site supervisor, excavator operator and dredging vessel captain, were questioned before being detained for further investigation,” he said in a statement.
Authorities seized a dredging vessel, pipelines, two excavators, a bulldozer and 250 tonnes of sea sand from the site.
Radzi said the area is owned by a company undertaking marine construction works and is believed to be under development as a new maritime hub.
He added that reclamation activities using sea sand began in March, involving offshore dredging vessels, but were carried out without valid approval from relevant authorities.
The six men, aged between 35 and 55, are being investigated under Section 426(1) of the National Land Code 1965 for unlawful extraction of rock material, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM500,000 fine, up to five years’ imprisonment, or both.
They have since been handed over to UPNP for further action, along with the seized equipment.
