Kelantan government approves SOP for gold panning licences, with applications to open early next year, a RM100 annual fee, and strict environmental rules.
KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan government has approved standard operating procedures (SOP) for gold panning licence applications, which are expected to open early next year.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the decision was made at the state executive council meeting, chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud.
He said the ongoing flood season made it unsuitable to carry out gold panning activities currently.
“We will announce when the applications will open, which is expected to be early next year,” he said after the meeting.
Applications must be made directly at the Land and Mines Office (PTG).
A RM100 fee will be imposed per year for each application, and the licence must be renewed annually.
The licence is non-transferable and available only to Kelantan residents.
Gold panning activities will be allowed from 8 am to 6 pm on government land gazetted for the purpose.
Several regulations on environmental protection will also be introduced to prevent risks such as riverbank collapses.
“The gold obtained must be sold to buyers recognised by the state government,” Mohamed Fadzli said.
Buyers must also apply for a licence from the PTG and will be liable to pay royalties to the state government.
He added that the age limit for such activities would be reviewed, while panning during the monsoon season would not be permitted.
The new SOP was designed to protect the welfare of panners and gold buyers while also ensuring environmental sustainability.
