Malaysian Natural Parks and Wildlife Agency Now Protects Rare Earth Minerals

Highlights

• Khazanah Integrated Operations (OBK) now includes protection of rare earth elements and minerals in Malaysia.
• OBK successfully stopped illegal gold mining near Taman Negara Kelantan, seizing RM700,000 worth of assets and arresting six individuals.
• OBK has opened 240 investigation papers, detained 221 individuals, and made seizures totaling over RM122 million for various criminal offenses.

The Khazanah Integrated Operations (opens in a new tab) (OBK) was recently expanded to include the protection of rare earth elements (REE) and minerals, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) Peninsular Malaysia director-general Datuk Abdul Kadir Abu Hashim reports.  The Malaysian leader said all the country's treasures must be preserved and protected from being encroached upon and exploited by irresponsible parties. This message was conveyed at an OBK meeting at Taman Negara here on Monday (Oct 21), which was also attended by the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.

Stating "In addition to focusing on combating wildlife and environmental crimes, OBK also emphasizes the protection of all elements of the nation's treasures, including REE and minerals, which is a new focus,” he said.

This operation successfully thwarted an attempt to illegally mine gold near Taman Negara Kelantan, with an estimated seizure value of RM700,000.

"The OBK team also arrested three Myanmar nationals, one Thai national and two locals along with machinery and equipment for mining. "We will always act based on information and intelligence, and prompt action will be taken to protect the nation's treasures,” he said as reported in The Star (opens in a new tab).

Khazanah Integrated Operations (OBK) is a Malaysian operation that protects the country's treasures, including minerals and rare earth elements. OBK's responsibilities include:

• Combating wildlife and environmental crimes
• Preventing irresponsible parties from exploiting the nation's treasures
• Taking swift action based on intelligence and information

In June, OBK stopped illegal gold mining operations near Taman Negara Kelantan. Seized were machinery and equipment, and authorities arrested three Myanmar nationals, one Thai national, and two locals.

Meanwhile, he expressed appreciation to the Customs Department for successfully thwarting an attempt to smuggle 21 containers containing 340,000 kilograms of African rosewood and another container carrying over 10,000 pieces of red sandalwood at Port Klang recently, with a total seizure value of RM73mil.

240 investigation papers had been opened, and 221 individuals, including 51 foreigners have already been detailed for various criminal offences through OBK, with total seizures and confiscations amounting to over RM122mil.