Sanusi told to explain visit to location of suspected illegal REE mining

JITRA: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been urged to explain his visit to Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, Sik, on Feb 19, which is believed to be a location where illegal mining activities of rare earth elements (REE) were conducted.

Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail wanted an explanation following the disclosure of several photographs of the alleged visit.

"...actually, there has already been a visit, (based on) the photos that were taken on Feb 19, which means as early as February this year, the Kedah Menteri Besar had visited and witnessed the theft (of REE), he saw for himself the destruction of the area, how the mining was done intensively, involving such a large area.

"...but from that day on, no serious action was taken...he did not just leave and do nothing, (but) he continued to deny that he had information about this incident," he said at a press conference here today.

Saifuddin Nasution said the situation raised serious concerns about the issue of transparency and accountability of the leader.

He also questioned the lack of investigation papers opened related to the illegal mining activities despite having the Kedah Land and Mine's Office director (Datuk Md Shumaime Abdul Rahmah) as a member of the Menteri Besar Incorporated board of advisors.

"...he (Md Shumaime) is also a member of the state Mineral Resources Committee which is the authority responsible for investigating matters related to the Mineral (Kedah) Enactment 2004...the effects of illegal mining and REE theft go beyond environmental concerns.

"...it has a huge economic risk. It is important that those entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law take decisive action to protect natural resources," he said.

Saifuddin Nasution claimed that Muhammad Sanusi knew all operations related to REE in the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, urging the Kedah Menteri Besar to explain in detail including the involvement of a Chinese national who has now disappeared.

-- BERNAMA