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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun disclosed that revenue collection through the two mineral tenement licenses that have been approved is estimated at RM18 million. ‘The REE, which has been identified in several districts, including Kuala Pilah and Jelebu, is expected to make a major contribution to state revenue,” he stated during an oral question and answer session. The statement was in response to a question from Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (BN-Rantau), read by Kamarol Ridzuan Mohd Zain (PN-Paroi), about plans regarding new revenues or tax revisions that are more targeted and progressive to assist the B40 group.
Meanwhile, Aminuddin indicated that several other areas have the potential to enhance state revenue collection. These include the transformation of water commodities and the introduction of service charges aimed at achieving sustainability in the economy. He noted that the state government, through the quit rent amendment (PCT) and the parcel tax rates as per the National Land Code and the Strata Titles Act, could increase quit rent revenue by RM400 million, with the target implementation set for 2029.
Aminuddin further mentioned that to generate additional new revenue, the Forestry Department has 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. ‘Areas with complete basic facilities, such as the Ulu Bendul Rimba Eco Park, will be the first to implement this conservation fee in a phased approach,’ he explained.
He emphasized that the fee is structured to avoid burdening the B40 group, being set at a low and reasonable rate. The fee collection is intended to support forest conservation activities and the maintenance of public facilities at Forest Eco Parks, thereby fostering a safer and more comfortable environment for recreational activities in Negeri Sembilan.
Aminuddin also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining a fair, progressive, and inclusive quit rent system to ensure the well-being of the people, especially those who are underprivileged or in need of support. ‘The state government consistently ensures that the welfare of all demographics is addressed by providing various initiatives that benefit the rakyat,’ he concluded.