Kelantan terminates mining leases for gold and sand operations after companies violate environmental regulations and fail to meet compliance standards.
KOTA BHARU: The state government has terminated several mining lease companies for failing to comply with agreement terms that negatively impacted the environment, water quality and governance.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the termination followed a comprehensive review and assessment by the state government and Kelantan State Economic Development Corporation (PNINK).
He stated the process considered the need for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report approval, which requires substantial time to complete.
“The government is very concerned with the impact on the environment, and several companies have been terminated due to violations related to these issues,” he said.
Mohamed Fadzli was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim (BN-Galas) regarding monitoring mechanisms to prevent excessive suspended solids from affecting water quality and eco-tourism.
He added that the public can report suspected regulatory violations to authorities for investigation.
On October 2, the General Operations Force arrested 12 individuals for illegal gold mining activities at Sungai Kelaik, Gua Musang, with seizures valued at approximately RM520,000.
Mohamed Fadzli confirmed five companies maintain active mining leases through joint ventures with PKINK.
“The state government always ensures all these companies comply with stipulated mining lease regulations, operate responsibly and contribute to economic development,” he said.
Continuous monitoring is conducted to guarantee mining activities occur safely, sustainably and in compliance with environmental standards. – Bernama
