Call for centralised oversight of Kelantan gold mining activities
Its deputy women's chief, Dr Hafidzah Mustaqim, said such a centre is critical to ensure transparency, accountability and better management of the state's valuable mineral resources.
Dr Hafidzah, who is also the Kota Lama assemblywoman, estimated that between 20 and 30 people engage in small-scale gold panning daily throughout Kelantan.
"This is a matter of state interest. It's not about pointing fingers, but about seeking clarity and ensuring that the people are informed," she told the New Straits Times.
She said the lack of a structured and regulated system has allowed illegal gold mining to flourish, depriving the state of potential revenue.
"Let's break it down.
"If 20 people pan 10gm of gold each day over 20 working days, that amounts to 4,000gm or 4kg a month.
"At an estimated RM450 per gramme, this translates to RM1.8 million in value every month.
"If this activity was regulated and monitored properly, that's revenue which could go back into the state's development.
"Instead, it's lost — and this doesn't even include operations involving heavy machinery and modern mining tools," she said.
Dr Hafidzah also cited industry estimates that mining operations in Sokor alone could yield up to 12kg of gold per month, worth about RM5.4 million.
"These are huge figures, and yet the state only recorded RM13.797 million in gold royalties for the entire year of 2023," she said, referring to a written reply she received during the last Kelantan state assembly sitting.
She said the disparity between reported royalties and estimated production figures raises questions about enforcement and resource tracking.
"The state must take this seriously.
"Illegal mining is not just a financial issue – it's an environmental one.
"Rivers and nearby ecosystems are being damaged, fish populations are disappearing, and long-term environmental consequences are being ignored," she said.
She emphasised that Kelantan's administration must be more proactive and transparent in managing its natural resources.
"We don't even know whether some of these operations are producing gold or other minerals like iron ore.
"There needs to be a centralised facility or collection point before these resources are transported or processed," she said.
She said Kelantan is known to be rich in high-quality natural resources, including Rare Earth Elements (REE), yet the average person has yet to feel the benefits.
"We cannot just wait for prosperity to trickle down.
"The people have been patient, but now they deserve answers and action.
"This is a wake-up call. A proper data management centre is no longer optional — it's essential," she said.
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