BAU: Illegal miners, who trespass onto Gunung Tabai in Taiton in search of gold, may soon be charged in court instead of being let off with a warning if they were caught by the police.
Deputy district police chief ASP Chan Shun Sing said the police were contemplating charging those arrested for criminal trespassing under Section 448 of the Penal Code, which carries a fine or a jail sentence.
“We have previously detained many of them, but normally let them off with a stern warning. However, we are considering a new approach to deter them by charging them in court,” he said during a press conference here yesterday.
According to Chan, the recent deaths of two illegal miners at Gunung Tabai had increased the resolve of the police and local authorities to stop more miners from endangering themselves.
He added a meeting between the police and officials from the company licensed to prospect the area as well as the district office would be held today to discuss various preventive measures to overcome the problem.
“Among the suggestions so far are to erect more secure fencing at known entry points to the mountain, employ more sentries, increasing police patrol as well as gather intelligence from the public regarding the illegal activity,” he said.
However, Chan pointed out that measures such as additional fencing and sentries and increased police patrol might not be enough to stop the illegal miners as there were many entry points to the mountain in the surrounding jungle.
He advised those involved in the illegal mining to cease their dangerous activities and not risk lives and limbs for the sake of making fast money.