13 detained over illegal gold mining in Kelantan, Pahang forests since 2023
Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim said four of the cases were recorded in Kelantan and two in Pahang.
He said 12 people were arrested in Kelantan, while one was detained in Pahang.
The cases in Kelantan were detected in the Batu Papan Forest Reserve, Berangkat Forest Reserve, Ulu Temiang Forest Reserve, and Hulu Galas Forest Reserve.
"In Pahang, the offences occurred in the Kechau Forest Reserve and Sungai Yu Forest Reserve," he told the New Straits Times.
Zahari said the illegal mining activities detected within the Permanent Forest Reserves remain under control, thanks to active enforcement and monitoring.
He added that the overall situation in the East Coast states is not alarming but remains under close watch by the relevant authorities.
"In Kelantan, two types of residents are typically involved.
"First, those engaged in gold panning, and second, those acting as guides or middlemen for illegal miners, including foreigners," he said.
He added that these illegal operations often exploit legitimate exploration licences issued for mineral tenements to disguise their activities.
Zahari said certain forest areas had become hotspots due to their proximity to approved exploration sites, making it difficult for enforcement agencies to distinguish between legal and illegal operations.
"Illegal miners tend to operate discreetly, taking advantage of licensed exploration areas to avoid detection.
"These activities are usually carried out during off-peak hours to avoid enforcement patrols," he added.
Zahari said the department continues to work closely with other enforcement agencies to protect the integrity of the Permanent Forest Reserves and to take firm action against those who violate forestry and mineral laws.
Yesterday, Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan had said that gold mining activities in the state's forest reserves mostly involve traditional, small-scale panning carried out by locals.
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