Kelantan: A total of 63 investigation papers were opened in connection with encroachment and illegal mining activities in Kelantan from 2025 to June this year. Kelantan Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the figure resulted from 77 enforcement operations conducted in hotspots involving the Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Jeli, and Tanah Merah districts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government, through enforcement agencies, has intensified field action to curb such activities. Following the operations, 63 investigation papers were opened and submitted to the Prosecution Unit of the Kelantan Land and Mines Office (PTG) for further action. This was disclosed by Mohamed Fadzli in response to a question from Datuk Shaari Mat Hussain (PAS-Paloh) at the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim.

Elaborating further, Mohamed Fadzli stated that the authorities had seized 65 excavators estimated to be worth RM15.8 million to disrupt the logistical capacity of the illegal activities. In response to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim (BN-Galas) regarding the potential involvement of middlemen, masterminds, or other parties benefiting from these activities, he assured that investigations would be conducted to identify those involved.

He emphasized that once an activity is identified as illegal, a police report is lodged, and an investigation paper is opened. The authorities know the landowners, and thorough investigations will be conducted to gather information. The state government has also engaged in discussions with the authorities and PTG to review penalties, especially for repeat offenders, to ensure stricter action can be taken.