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Kelantan declares war on illegal gold mines
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Crime & Justice

Kelantan declares war on illegal gold mines

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The Kelantan government has declared war on illegal gold mining operations.
  • Authorities are targeting not only those caught at mining sites but also financiers and organizers.
  • A recent operation in Gua Musang seized equipment worth an estimated 4.2 million Malaysian ringgit and detained three foreign nationals.

The Kelantan government has declared a firm stance against illegal gold mining, vowing to combat any entity encroaching on the state's mineral resources without proper authorization. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr. Mohamed Fadzli Hassan emphasized that these illicit activities violate the Kelantan Mineral Enactment of 2001, harm the environment, and deprive the state and its people of rightful revenue.

We issue a stern warning to any party still conducting gold mining without a license to cease their operations immediately.

— Datuk Dr. Mohamed Fadzli HassanWarning against illegal mining activities.

"We issue a stern warning to any party still conducting gold mining without a license to cease their operations immediately," Hassan stated. He further clarified that enforcement actions would extend beyond individuals apprehended at mining sites. Investigations will be broadened to identify and prosecute masterminds, financiers, organizers, intermediaries, and anyone complicit in or benefiting from these illegal operations.

Demonstrating its commitment, the Kelantan Land and Mines Office led a joint enforcement operation in Galas, Gua Musang, on July 13. This operation, conducted in collaboration with several agencies, resulted in the detention of three foreign nationals suspected of illegal gold mining. Authorities also seized various machinery and equipment estimated to be worth 4.2 million Malaysian ringgit.

Enforcement actions will not stop at individuals detained at the site; investigations will be expanded to identify masterminds, financiers, organizers, intermediaries, machinery providers, and any party complicit or benefiting from these activities.

— Datuk Dr. Mohamed Fadzli HassanExplaining the scope of the government's enforcement strategy.

Hassan assured that legal action would be pursued regardless of the individuals' status or influence. The state government plans to open investigation papers, conduct thorough inquiries including field inspections, gather evidence, and summon witnesses before initiating prosecution under the relevant laws. The crackdown on illegal gold mining is set to be strengthened through integrated operations involving multiple state and federal agencies.

Legal action will be taken regardless of position or influence if they are found to have committed offenses.

— Datuk Dr. Mohamed Fadzli HassanAssuring strict legal consequences for offenders.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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