Two dead after embankment collapses at illegal gold mining site in western Kelantan, Malaysia

Two men died after a 2-meter-high river embankment collapsed near Jeli in western Kelantan, Malaysia, burying them while they were reportedly engaged in illegal gold mining. The incident occurred around 8:20 p.m. local time near the Jerimbong oil palm plantation on May 20, 2026. A third man survived the collapse. Authorities had sealed off the area a day prior to the accident. The victims, aged 32 and 38, were part of a group believed to be mining gold without legal permits. Rescue teams from the Jeli Fire and Rescue Station recovered the first body shortly after the collapse, with the second body found later during ongoing search operations. Deputy Chief Minister Mohamed Fadzli Hassan emphasized the dangers of illegal mining, highlighting the risks it poses to human life, safety, and environmental sustainability. Illegal mining activities remain a significant concern in Kelantan, where unregulated extraction can cause environmental degradation and pose serious hazards to those involved. The state government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Kelantan State Minerals Enactment and related laws, warning that unauthorized mining operations will face strict legal action. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and public awareness to prevent further loss of life and environmental harm linked to illicit mining practices.