Kelantan intensifies illegal gold mining crackdown, seizing RM4.2 million in machinery and arresting three foreigners in Gua Musang.
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan state government has intensified its crackdown on illegal gold mining after an integrated enforcement operation in Galas, Gua Musang led to the arrest of three foreign nationals and the seizure of machinery and equipment worth about RM4.2 million.
Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan (pic) said the operation, led by the Kelantan Land and Mines Office (PTG) on July 13 in collaboration with several enforcement agencies, was carried out to curb illegal gold mining activities.
Among the assets seized were two excavators, two bulldozers, three lorries, a dumper, a power generator, an iron sluice box and 20 carpets believed to have been used in the mineral separation process.
“The state government views illegal gold mining activities seriously as they disrupt the management of the state’s mineral resources, damage the environment and deprive the state government and the people of Kelantan of rightful revenue,” he said in a statement today.
Mohamed Fadzli warned that strict action would be taken against any parties continuing to carry out gold mining activities without valid licences or approvals, and instructed those involved to cease operations immediately.
He said investigations would also be expanded to identify masterminds, financiers, organisers, middlemen, machinery providers or any local individuals suspected of being complicit, offering protection or benefiting from such activities, regardless of their position or influence.
“The state government would open investigation papers and conduct comprehensive probes, including field inspections, evidence gathering and calling witnesses, before pursuing prosecution under the Enactment of Minerals (Kelantan) 2001 and other relevant laws.
“Members of the public are urged to channel information to the authorities to safeguard the state’s mineral resources,” he added.
He said integrated enforcement operations would continue to be strengthened in collaboration with the PTG, Kelantan State Enforcement Division, Royal Malaysia Police, General Operations Force, Kelantan Forestry Department, Department of Environment, Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia and other relevant agencies to eradicate illegal mining at its roots.
