Six undocumented Myanmar workers arrested in Lipis illegal iron-ore mining raid, equipment worth RM1.2 million seized
Authorities raided an illegal iron-ore mine in Lipis, detaining six undocumented Myanmar nationals and confiscating machinery and vehicles valued at about RM1.2 million.
During a coordinated raid at 2.30 pm, enforcement teams from the General Operations Force, the Pahang State Enforcement Unit and Lipis police entered an illegal iron-ore mining site at Sungai Lik, Cheka. Six Myanmar nationals, aged 22 to 39, were found clearing soil without any identification documents or mining licences and were arrested. The operation also resulted in the seizure of seven vehicles - five tipper lorries, an excavator and a wheel loader - with a total estimated value of RM1.2 million, which were transferred to the state enforcement unit.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Radzi Hussain said the workers had been employed by a local individual since 2024, working about 13 hours a day for RM10 an hour. The case is being pursued under Section 426(1) of the National Land Code for unlawful rock extraction and under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act for illegal entry and stay.
Why it matters
The raid highlights illegal mining and undocumented labour issues in Malaysia, prompting legal action and tighter enforcement.
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