KOTA BHARU, June 3 — Authorities have seized 45 excavators as part of a crackdown on illegal gold mining in Kelantan.
Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the seizures show the state government and enforcement agencies consistently take stern action against unauthorised operators.
“Currently, enforcement focuses on Lojing, Aring, Jeli, and Kuala Krai, identified as high-risk areas for illegal mining. We deny allegations that authorities lack firmness in tackling illegal mining in this state,” he told reporters after the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting at the Kota Darulnaim Complex here today.
Mohamed Fadzli added that the state government maintains ongoing cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and other agencies to ensure illegal activities are effectively eradicated.
He said the state administration also relies on intelligence and reports from the State Lands and Mines Department to support enforcement in the identified areas.
Previously, it was reported that two men died after being buried under a collapsed earth bank while carrying out illegal gold mining at a river tributary near the Jerimbong Oil Palm Plantation in Jeli.
