KOTA BELUD: The Sabah Lands and Surveys Department (JTU) seized an excavator and a lorry during an enforcement operation against illegal land sand excavation and extraction activities in Kampung Pintasan here last Thursday.
Its Director, Sr Chua Ming Ling @ Alan, said the operation was carried out after about a week of intelligence gathering and surveillance following information on illegal sand extraction activities in the area.
He said the department’s enforcement team launched a raid at about 9.45am at the identified location.
“During the raid, the department seized a CAT excavator and a 13-tonne Nissan lorry carrying a load of land sand,” he said.
However, no arrests were made as the individuals at the scene managed to flee upon realising the presence of the enforcement team, he said, on Monday.
Chua added that a police report had been lodged and an Investigation Paper (IP) would be opened by the Enforcement Division’s Investigation Unit to complete the probe.
“Further action will be taken in accordance with the provisions under the Sabah Land Ordinance (Cap 68),” he said.
He said the success of the operation was the result of cooperation between the department’s enforcement team, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), community leaders in Kota Belud and information from the public.
Chua added that the department would continue to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations to curb illegal extraction of soil, sand or stones throughout Sabah.
“The Sabah Lands and Surveys Department will not hesitate to take stern action against any individual or operator who violates the law under the Sabah Land Ordinance,” he said.
