Kota bharu: The Kelantan government has instructed the Forestry Department and Department of Land and Mines (PTG) to investigate cases involving illegal gold mining and timber logging. Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan stated that the state government views these matters seriously, emphasizing their connection to natural resources, which are considered the people’s wealth.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan expressed concern over government property being exploited, stating that issues often start small and can escalate significantly. He urged both federal and state enforcement authorities to address these concerns promptly to prevent further exploitation of government property, which ultimately belongs to the people.

He mentioned that while some cases have been reported unofficially, he has requested specific departments, such as the Forestry Department and the Land and Mines Office (PTG), to conduct investigations. He also called on the public to provide complete information regarding any illegal mining activities, as accurate data is crucial for taking necessary action.

Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan highlighted the importance of public cooperation, stating that government authorities might struggle to detect suspicious locations. He encouraged citizens to report any dubious activities or unusual vehicle movements to the authorities to facilitate effective action.

In a related incident, police recently detained three foreign nationals involved in illegal gold mining activities during a raid on an oil palm plantation in Sungai Seting, Gua Musang. Bukit Aman Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) commander SAC Rosli Md Yusof reported that two Myanmar nationals and one Indonesian national were arrested for conducting gold mining activities without a permit and failing to present travel documents.