Deputy MB: Kelantan to move away from logging, focus on mining minerals

 

Kelantan plans to move away from logging as the state's main source of income, according to its Deputy Menteri Besar Mohd Amar Nik Abdullah.

Instead, the state government wants to focus on mining other natural resources such as rare earth and natural gas which it has in abundance, Amar reportedly said.

"Revenue from timber logging has now become the third source of income and no longer the main revenue for Kelantan," he said, as quoted by PAS mouthpiece Harakah Daily.

Amar (above), who is a PAS vice-president, spoke about the state revenue issue during a discussion programme aired by the state-owned portal Kelantan TV.

He said the state government is planning to legislate a new policy regarding the management and development of mineral resources.

Kelantan, he added, will need to look into the matter and develop a thorough plan in the next five years.

"We need a solid plan, especially regarding the management of minerals and rare earth materials.

"Minerals are our future resources, so if we can handle it properly, then we can resolve many issues," he said.

Previously, the media reported that Tanah Merah, Jeli and Gua Musang districts have been identified as potentially having huge amounts of natural resources.

It was estimated that the locations contain some 2.56 million tonnes of rare earth worth about RM125 billion. - Mkini