More than 200 individuals are believed to be involved in illegal gold mining activities at an oil palm plantation in Kampung Jerimbong, Kuala Balah, where two men were killed after being buried in a landslide-like incident yesterday afternoon.
The plantation, owned by the state government, has reportedly been used for illegal mining for decades. However, activity has surged in recent years due to rising gold prices.
Apart from locals, people from outside the district are also believed to be involved, with many using water suction pumps to extract gold in hopes of making high returns.
Dozens of such pump machines have been spotted at the site, despite repeated enforcement raids by authorities and seizures of equipment.
Sources said the plantation is located about 30 minutes from the main Kuala Balah route and is well known for illegal gold mining activities due to claims of rich and high-quality deposits.
It is understood that many residents have left rubber tapping jobs to take part in the mining activities.
Each suction pump is reportedly capable of producing an average of 10 grams of gold per day, making the activity increasingly attractive despite its illegality.
Authorities have repeatedly raided the area, with the machines often seized by the Land and Mines Office (PTG), but the activity continues to resume shortly after enforcement operations.
Police had earlier confirmed that the two men who died after being buried in soil at the plantation were carrying out illegal mining without a licence. The victims were aged 32 and 38.
Sources also revealed that each pump machine costs nearly RM2,000 and is often modified for mining use.
It is also alleged that some suppliers provide the machines on condition that the extracted gold is sold back to them.
