KOTA BARU: The age-old lure of striking gold is set to sparkle anew in Kelantan, as the state opens the door for residents to legally try their hand at gold panning.
This is in line with the state formalising its gold panning tradition, to regulate the activity amid growing public interest.
Residents interested in gold panning may begin submitting applications to the State Land and Mines Office and district land offices starting today, said Deputy Mentri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan (pic).
He said applications will be processed and approved within a specified period, subject to stipulated conditions, Bernama reported.
“There is currently no cap on the number of applications and manual forms are available at the state or district land offices,” he told reporters after the state executive council meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here.
He said demand is expected to be encouraging based on feedback received via social media, adding that the state land office is prepared to manage the application process.
Mohamed Fadzli said buyers of gold are required to obtain approval from the state government for transactions involving the precious mineral.
He said the gold panning areas in four identified districts, namely Gua Musang, Jeli, Tanah Merah and Kuala Krai will be gazetted soon, adding that other areas with potential resources will also be identified and assessed from time to time.
He noted that only Kelantan residents using manual panning methods are eligible, with activities permitted solely in gazetted areas and during office hours.
