KOTA BHARU, Nov 11 — The Kelantan government has identified Tanah Merah and Jeli as among the districts with potential for gold panning, a traditional method of extracting gold from river sediment using a shallow pan.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said relevant officers have been instructed to review licensing, safety and legal aspects before any mining activities are approved.
He said the state government will ensure that areas designated for gold panning are not within prohibited zones and do not pose safety risks to miners.
“We know some people are already involved in this activity, so the state government is taking responsibility to regulate and facilitate it to ensure it is done legally,” he told reporters after the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim today.
Mohamed Fadzli said details of the licensing process will be announced later, as officers are currently drafting guidelines and conditions for gold panning.
Yesterday, the state government announced that residents would be allowed to conduct gold panning under a conditional licensing scheme to be issued by the state. — Bernama
