Licensed gold panners in Kelantan can start panning from Jan 21

Licensed gold panners in Kelantan can start panning from Jan 21

KOTA BARU: Licensed gold panners in Kelantan will be allowed to commence panning activities starting Jan 21, said Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.

He said to date, the Land and Mines Office has received a total of 332 licence applications, of which 179 applicants have completed payment and obtained their licences, while the remaining applications are still undergoing the screening process.

“For this purpose, the state government will begin land demarcation works today to gazette the approved areas or locations, with the proposed area for the first phase covering a stretch of 2km.

“At the same time, follow-up studies will be carried out to determine whether the gold panning process runs smoothly. If all goes well, we will expand the designated panning areas,” he told reporters after the state executive council (Exco) meeting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim here on Wednesday.

He said the rivers to be gazetted in the first phase include Sungai Taduh and Sungai Pergau in Jeli; Sungai Gentian in Kuala Krai; Sungai Galas in Gua Musang; and Sungai Bertam in Tanah Merah.

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He said the proposed initial 2km stretch is intended to help licensed panners clearly identify permitted areas, while also facilitating monitoring and enforcement by the authorities.

“We remind all licensed panners to comply strictly with the conditions set at the time of application.

“Following this decision, gold panning activities carried out without a licence will be categorised as an offence,” he said.

He added that two authorised gold-buying companies have been appointed so far, while several other applicants are being considered, and that the mineral resource will be sold to a state subsidiary.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Fadzli said Kelantan remains open to foreign investors interested in the exploration of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE), enabling the raw materials to be processed within the state and generate revenue.

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“To date, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kelantan government through MB Inc in May 2025 to develop REE resources,” he said.

He said several other foreign companies and investors have also expressed interest and submitted applications, but the state is scrutinising all the proposals to select those offering the best terms.

– Bernama