KELANTAN APPROVES SOP FOR GOLD PANNING LICENCE APPLICATIONS

KOTA BHARU, Dec 3 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan government has approved the standard operating procedures (SOP) for gold panning licence applications, which are expected to open early next year.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the decision was made at today’s state executive council meeting, chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud, in accordance with Section 28 of the State Mineral Enactment 2001.

He said that even though the SOP had been approved, the ongoing flood season made it unsuitable to carry out gold panning activities.

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“We will announce when the applications will open, which is expected to be early next year,” he said after attending the meeting at the Kota Darul Naim Complex here.

According to him, applications for gold panning licences must be made directly at the Land and Mines Office (PTG).

Mohamed Fadzli said a RM100 fee would be imposed per year for each application, and that the licence must be renewed annually, is non-transferable, and available only to Kelantan residents.

He said gold panning activities would be allowed from 8 am to 6 pm, with government land gazetted specifically for the purpose, while several regulations on environmental protection would also be introduced to prevent risks such as riverbank collapses.

“The gold obtained must be sold to buyers recognised by the state government. Buyers must also apply for a licence from the PTG and will be liable to pay royalties to the state government,” he said.

Mohamed Fadzli added that the age limit for such activities would be reviewed, while panning during the monsoon season would not be permitted.

He said that the new SOP was designed to protect the welfare of panners and gold buyers while also ensuring environmental sustainability.

--BERNAMA