Kelantan Logs Only 27 Per Cent Of Approved Timber Quota For 2021-2025

KOTA BHARU, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan government has utilised only 14,195 hectares, or 27.2 per cent of its 19,500-hectare logging quota approved under the Annual Felling Rationing (CTT) by the National Land Council for the 2021-2025 period.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the area opened for logging has decreased each year, as much of the approved quota remains unused.

“From 2021 to 2025, the state was allocated a quota of 3,900 hectares per year for timber felling.

“In 2021, only 1,277 hectares were logged, followed by 2022 with 1,702 hectares, 2023 (740 hectares), 2024 (846 hectares), and 2025 (740 hectares).

“In total, out of the 19,500-hectare quota, only 5,305 hectares were logged, leaving 14,195 hectares, or 27.2 per cent of the allocation,” he said when winding up the debate on the state budget for 2026, at the State Assembly sitting here today.

Mohamed Fadzli said the state’s actual timber revenue for 2024 amounted to RM907.88 million, or 93.86 per cent of the targeted collection, and a similar performance is expected this year.

Meanwhile, he said the state government allows Kelantan residents to conduct gold panning in designated areas in the state.

“This activity is permitted on state-owned land, subject to the issuance of a conditional licence.

“The licence serves to record and monitor mining activities, as well as to ensure safety and environmental preservation,” he said, adding that, to date, the state holds gold reserves worth about RM51 million, based on current market value.

-- BERNAMA