The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability is committed to collaborating with state governments to combat illegal mining activities. Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if there is any production of rare earth materials at Compartment 411 in the Ulu Jelai Forest Reserve in Lipis.
Nik Nazmi clarified that his remarks during the Dewan Rakyat sitting on Monday were specific to illegal mining activities in the forest reserve in Lipis district. He revealed that Compartment 411 was identified as a potential illegal mining site in March 2023, noting that tools and laboratory items found indicated the area may be used for rare earth elements (REE) mining.
Speaking in a statement on Thursday, Nik Nazmi highlighted that during the parliamentary session, he informed Lee Chuan How (PH-Ipoh Timur) that approximately 16,000 tonnes of rare earth oxides were unlawfully mined in multiple Malaysian states and exported to China.
The minister disclosed that illegal mining activities were carried out in the forest reserves in Sik, Kedah; Lipis, Pahang; Pengkalan Hulu and Kuala Kangsar, Perak; as well as on private land in the Meranti and Jelebu districts, Negeri Sembilan.
On Wednesday, Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail vehemently refuted allegations of illicit rare earth oxide production in the Lipis district forest reserve. Nik Nazmi commended the Pahang government for establishing the Pahang Enforcement Unit (UPNP) elite team in 2019 to combat illegal land encroachment, including mining activities.
The ministry aims to safeguard the country’s natural resources and environmental sustainability by addressing illegal activities and enforcing regulations. By collaborating with state authorities, they seek to preserve and protect the nation’s natural resources from exploitation and misuse.
Nik Nazmi emphasized the importance of upholding environmental laws and regulations to ensure sustainable development and conservation efforts. He urged the public to cooperate and report any suspicious activities or violations to the authorities for prompt action and investigation.
Efforts to curb illegal mining activities are crucial to protect the environment, prevent ecological damage, and preserve biodiversity. The ministry remains committed to upholding environmental ethics, promoting responsible resource utilization, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s natural resources.
Through effective enforcement measures and close collaboration with state governments, the ministry aims to deter illegal mining activities and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. By implementing stringent laws and enforcement mechanisms, they strive to maintain ecological balance and ecological integrity.
Overall, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability is dedicated to combating illegal mining activities and safeguarding the country’s natural resources for future generations through proactive regulatory measures and enforcement actions.
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