KEMAMAN: The Terengganu Forestry Department (JPNT) thwarted an attempt to detect rare earth elements (REE) in Compartment Six of the Bukit Bandi Forest Reserve here recently.
Its director, Datuk Norhaidi Yunus, said a team from the JPNT Operations and Enforcement Unit was patrolling the area when they discovered nine individuals, aged between 20 and 56, conducting soil-digging activities at the location.
He said five of them, comprising two locals and three foreigners from Indonesia and China, were arrested, while four others fled into the forest.
He added that an investigation revealed the group did not have valid authorisation or permits from the department to enter the Bukit Bandi Forest Reserve.
"The investigation also indicated that the group was believed to be digging soil to find REE materials before taking further action.
The team also discovered various tools believed to have been used to dig holes and collect soil samples to determine the mineral resources in the area. The equipment was subsequently confiscated. It is understood that the group has extensive experience in detecting REE. They are suspected of collecting soil samples at certain depths to be brought back for laboratory testing," he said when contacted.
Norhaidi said JPNT would not compromise with any party trespassing into forest reserves for any purpose. He said entering forest reserves requires permits issued by the department. He added that those trespassing into forest reserves could face legal action under Section 32(1) of the National Forestry Act 1984.
"We will investigate the group's claim that they were authorised by certain parties to conduct REE detection activities in the Bukit Bandi Forest Reserve," he said.