Kuala lumpur: The Negeri Sembilan state government expects rare earth elements (REE) to make a major contribution to state revenue starting in 2027, the Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly was told today. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said revenue collection through the two mineral tenement licenses that have been approved is estimated at RM18 million.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aminuddin noted that REE, identified in several districts such as Kuala Pilah and Jelebu, is anticipated to significantly boost state revenue. He made these remarks during an oral question and answer session, in response to a query from Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (BN-Rantau), presented by Kamarol Ridzuan Mohd Zain (PN-Paroi), regarding plans for targeted and progressive new revenues or tax revisions to assist the B40 group.
Meanwhile, Aminuddin highlighted other potential areas for increasing state revenue, including water commodities transformation and the introduction of service charges aimed at economic sustainability. The state government plans to amend quit rent and parcel tax rates as per the National Land Code and the Strata Titles Act every ten years, potentially increasing quit rent revenue by RM400 million, with a target implementation by 2029.
Additionally, Aminuddin mentioned that the Forestry Department received approval from the State Executive Council to impose a conservation fee for entry to selected Forest Eco Parks. The fee is set at RM3 for citizens and RM6 for non-citizens, with exemptions for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The Ulu Bendul Rimba Eco Park will be the first location for this fee’s implementation.
He assured that the fee is designed to be affordable, especially for the B40 group, and is intended to support forest conservation activities and the maintenance of public facilities at the parks. This initiative aims to enhance the recreational environment in Negeri Sembilan.
Furthermore, Aminuddin reiterated the state government’s commitment to a fair, progressive, and inclusive quit rent system to ensure the well-being of the people, particularly those who are underprivileged or require support. He emphasized various initiatives undertaken by the state to benefit the rakyat.