Licensed gold panners in Kelantan can begin operations from Jan 21, with 179 licences issued and gazetted areas along five rivers.
KOTA BHARU: Licensed gold panners in Kelantan will be allowed to commence activities starting Jan 21.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the Land and Mines Office has received 332 licence applications to date.
He said 179 applicants have completed payment and obtained their licences, while the remaining applications are still undergoing screening.
The state government will begin land demarcation works today to gazette the approved areas.
The proposed area for the first phase covers a two-kilometre stretch along several rivers.
The rivers to be gazetted include Sungai Taduh and Sungai Pergau in Jeli, and Sungai Gentian in Kuala Krai.
Also included are Sungai Galas in Gua Musang and Sungai Bertam in Tanah Merah.
Mohamed Fadzli said the initial stretch is to help panners identify permitted areas clearly.
It will also facilitate monitoring and enforcement by the authorities.
He reminded all licensed panners to comply strictly with the conditions set during application.
“Gold panning activities carried out without a licence will be categorised as an offence,” he told reporters after the state executive council meeting.
He added that two authorised gold-buying companies have been appointed so far.
Several other applicants are being considered, with the mineral resource to be sold to a state subsidiary.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Fadzli said Kelantan remains open to foreign investors interested in non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE).
This would enable raw materials to be processed within the state and generate revenue.
Lynas Rare Earths Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kelantan government through MB Inc in May 2025 to develop REE resources.
Several other foreign companies and investors have also expressed interest and submitted applications.
The state is scrutinising all proposals to select those offering the best terms.
