KOTA BHARU: Kelantan residents interested in gold panning may begin submitting applications to the State Land and Mines Office and district land offices starting Thursday, Jan 1, 2026, says Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan.
He said applications would be processed and approved within a specified period, subject to stipulated conditions.
"There is currently no cap on the number of applications, and manual forms are available at the Land Office or district land offices," he told reporters after the state executive council meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here on Wednesday (Dec 31).
He said demand is expected to be encouraging based on social media feedback, adding that the Land Office is prepared to manage the application process.
Mohamed Fadzli said buyers of gold must obtain state government approval for transactions involving the precious metal.
He said the Land Office would soon gazette gold panning areas in four identified districts, namely Gua Musang, Jeli, Tanah Merah and Kuala Krai, adding that other areas with potential resources would also be identified and assessed from time to time.
He noted that only Kelantan residents using manual panning methods are eligible, and that activities are permitted solely in gazetted areas and during office hours. – Bernama
