Latest news with #Hafidzah
New Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Call for centralised oversight of Kelantan gold mining activities
KOTA BARU: Kelantan Pakatan Harapan (PH) has urged the state government to establish a centralised data collection centre to monitor gold mining activities, amid growing concerns over the increasing number of small-scale and illegal panners operating across the state. 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.
New Straits Times
29-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Study reveals mental health struggles among Kelantan fathers
KOTA BARU: A recent study by the Kelantan National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) has revealed concerning mental health trends among fathers in the state. Kota Lama assemblyman Dr Hafidzah Mustaqim said the findings showed that nearly a quarter (23.7 per cent) of fathers faced mental wellbeing issues, while 2.2 per cent admitted to having thoughts of self-harm or harming family members due to stress. "These figures remind us that fathers are human, too. They need space, support, and recognition," she said at the state-level Father's Day celebration. The study identified the top three challenges faced by fathers in Kelantan as the high cost of living (84.4 per cent), difficulty balancing work and family life (72.9 per cent) and financial issues (68.3 per cent). Despite these challenges, Dr Hafidzah noted a positive trend — most fathers remain committed to their families and are willing to share household responsibilities with their spouses. "This proves that strong cooperation between husband and wife is the foundation of a resilient household." She added that the government is bolstering family support through Budget 2025 initiatives. These include a RM13 billion allocated for the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR) programme, benefiting nine million recipients and expansion of the Rahmah Basic Assistance (SARA) programme, with direct crediting to MyKad. "The others are increasing the assistance rates for children, persons with disabilities and senior citizens," she added. Dr Hafidzah called for continued focus on family wellbeing, especially in supporting fathers who are often under-recognised despite playing a vital role in the household.
