KUCHING, April 3: A 36-year-old male foreigner was caught by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) enforcement team for encroachment and illegal mining activity in Dered Krian National Park (DKNP) in Bau today.
According to SFC Controller of national parks and nature reserves Zolkipli Mohamad Aton, a SFC enforcement team was on their daily patrolling to enhance the protection of DKNP when they came across three suspects who were encroaching inside DKNP.
“Two of the suspects managed to flee the scene while one was arrested with the possession of three bags of soil. The 36-year-old foreigner and the two other suspects were confirmed to be involved in illegal gold mining activities at Gunung Tabai Cave which is inside the DKNP.
“A police report was lodged at Bau Police Station. The suspect was remanded pending further investigation by the authorities concerned and their tools were confiscated,” he said in a press statement today.
On the same note, Zolkipli warned the local community not to encroach on Gunung Tabai and urged the public to play their part in protecting the state’s natural heritage by sharing any information pertaining similar illegal activities in their area through SFC’s hotline.
“We will not tolerate any illegal activities, including illegal mining, illegal logging and wildlife trade and will ensure that the offenders will be brought to justice,” he added. — DayakDaily
