JELI: The number of gold panners in several districts in Kelantan has increased significantly over the past week as residents seek lucrative returns.
Gold panning has been practiced by locals for hundreds of years and, while previously overlooked, it is now receiving unexpected attention.
This surge follows the state government’s announcement permitting gold panning on state land in Kelantan under certain conditions at the State Legislative Assembly session on Nov 10.
Residents from outside Kelantan, including Terengganu and Pahang, are travelling and staying in homestays solely to pan for gold in Hulu Kelantan.
A survey in Kampung Kalai, a well-known gold panning area, found that as early as 10am, residents were already heading to the river with pans and hoes.
Kampung Kalai, about two hours 30 minutes by car, has become a hotspot, especially along Sungai Tadoh.
Previously, around 30 local residents panned for gold, but over the past week the number has risen to more than 60, mostly outsiders, causing dissatisfaction among locals.
Panners use traditional methods, digging with hoes before sifting sand to extract gold dust or nuggets.
The gold dust is then soaked in mercury to separate the ore from the gold before heating it.
After heating, panners may either keep the gold or sell it directly to middlemen at current prices as used gold.
Panner Kamil Abdullah, 35, said he began panning in his early 20s, and most locals practice it as a side job.
He added that he has already obtained more than 50 grams of 999-type gold, most of which was sold, with some kept.
“Previously, our area was undisturbed by outsiders until last week when it became a focus not just for Kelantan residents, but also people from outside.
“Some rent homestays just to pan, and more frustratingly, they did not seek permission from the village chief before doing so.
“Residents are now dissatisfied as outsiders have begun entering our area. Of course, our yields have decreased. At the same time, the panning area is open to outsiders, even though this activity is still considered illegal without a licence.
“We hope the state government sets specific conditions, such as only allowing Jeli residents to pan, not everyone,” he said.
Panner Zulkifli Che Wok, 60, also expressed dissatisfaction as many outsiders camp in their area to pan for gold.
He said that previously only local residents panned along Sungai Tadoh.
“We hope the state government establishes clear conditions to avoid disputes among panners,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
