Perak: The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) signed between the United States and Malaysia promises to unlock new investment opportunities in Perak, particularly in the non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) sector. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad has expressed the state’s readiness to welcome investors from the US to help boost the state’s revenue generation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani highlighted that the ART agreement is a positive development for Malaysian states, including Perak, which is a producer of NR-REE. He noted that while Malaysia has traditionally engaged in trade with China, this agreement opens doors for expanding trade relations with US investors, especially in the NR-REE sector. These remarks were made during a press conference following the launch of the Zantat PolyCal Innovation Lab Research and Development Laboratory at the Keramat Pulai Limestone Industrial Area.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz previously assured that the ART agreement with the US would not compromise Malaysia’s sovereignty but would instead offer improved market access. Saarani also emphasized the necessity for foreign trade engagements to involve the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), which functions as the coordinating agency.
At the same event, Saarani announced that Zantat Holdings Bhd has earmarked RM8 million for the establishment of an R and D laboratory focused on the calcium carbonate industry. This initiative aims to transform the natural materials industry by fostering sustainable and innovative high-value products. The new laboratory is expected to create research opportunities, generate highly skilled job openings, and encourage youth participation in material science, chemistry, and engineering fields.
Saarani described the laboratory as an innovation hub that bridges academic and industrial worlds, where theoretical knowledge is converted into practical applications and products that benefit society. He remarked, “This is where theory meets reality, making Perak not only a producer of natural resources but also a creator of solutions based on science and technology.”