KUALA LUMPUR: The government is reviewing the Mineral Development Act 1994 to enhance the management of rare earth elements (REE) nationwide, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. He announced that a special task force has been formed to oversee this effort, comprising members from the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, Economy Ministry, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, and Finance Ministry (MOF).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nik Nazmi stated that the task force aims to develop strategies to advance the entire REE industry, with ongoing discussions involving all stakeholders to ensure maximized benefits. He emphasized the importance of involving state governments, noting that most are receptive to the initiative, with relevant Menteris Besar participating in discussions.
Nik Nazmi also mentioned Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s commitment to developing a pathway for processing locally sourced REE carbonate, differing from the REE processed by th
e company in Australia. A pilot project in Kenering, Perak, has been granted a temporary permit to export REE to China due to the lack of local processing facilities, although efforts are being made to establish facilities for all stages of the REE industry.
In a related development, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), in collaboration with plantation companies, has launched a pilot project to create elephant foodbanks to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. In Johor, 21 foodbank locations have been identified based on elephant migration patterns, funded through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from plantation companies. One pilot project is operational near Taman Negara Endau-Rompin.
Nik Nazmi further announced plans to propose to MOF the continuation of a compensation fund for property and crop losses due to wildlife attacks. As of November 2024, 246 applicants have received payments totaling RM978,000, benefiting villagers, local communities, and Orang Asli.
The D
ewan Rakyat later approved the ministry’s 2025 budget allocation of RM2.27 billion through a majority voice vote after a debate involving 21 Members of Parliament. The session will continue tomorrow.