KOTA BHARU, Aug 11 — 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.

“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,” he said.

He said this when replying to a question from Datuk Shaari Mat Hussain (PAS-Paloh) on the state government’s efforts to address encroachment and illegal mining activities at the Kelantan State Legislative Assembly sitting at Kompleks Kota Darulnaim here today.

Elaborating, Mohamed Fadzli said the authorities had also seized 65 excavators estimated to be worth RM15.8 million to cripple the logistical capacity of such activities.

Answering a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim (BN-Galas) on the possibility of middlemen, masterminds, organisers, protectors or parties benefiting from the activities, he said investigations would be conducted to identify those involved.

“Once we identify the activity as illegal, we will lodge a police report and open an investigation paper. We know who owns the land, so investigations will be conducted and if we obtain information, we will take action.

“The state government has also discussed with the authorities and PTG to review the penalties, particularly for repeat offences, so that stricter action can be taken,” he said. — Bernama