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Kelantan residents may begin prospecting for gold as a source of additional income following the state government's decision to open applications for manual gold panning licences starting 1 January
The move follows an announcement made during the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting on 10 November last year, where the government said gold panning would be allowed on state land under specific conditions.
According to Bernama, the initiative is seen as part of the state government's efforts to boost the local economy while ensuring that gold panning activities, previously illegal, are carried out in a controlled, safe, and environmentally-responsible manner.
Gold panning is a simple, traditional mining method that uses a pan to separate gold particles from sand and gravel in water, relying on gold's higher density to settle at the bottom as lighter materials are washed away, and is popular for recreation and small-scale prospecting.
The state government plans to gazette designated areas to ensure that gold panning activities do not affect local communities
One of the main conditions is that panning must be done manually, without the use of large-scale machinery.
Kelantan Land and Mines director Nik Raisnan Daud said the number of applications they have received so far has been encouraging, adding that priority will be given to less fortunate residents to help them increase their income legally.
Applicants are now awaiting further announcements on details such as approved panning locations, permitted equipment, and enforcement methods.
The licence currently requires a RM100 application fee
According to reports, an additional RM100 annual fee will be imposed to maintain the licence, which must be renewed yearly, is non-transferable, and is only available to Kelantan residents.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadli Hassan said all gold obtained must be sold to buyers recognised by the state government.
When the licence was first announced last year, there was a surge of tourists visiting rivers with pans and tools, causing dissatisfaction among locals. While the state government has said it is considering issuing permits for visitors to try gold panning for recreational and tourism purposes, gold panning is currently permitted only for Kelantan residents.
