CARETAKER Kedah menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has been urged to explain his visit to Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve in Sik on February 19, which is believed to be a location where illegal mining of rare earth elements (REE) was conducted.

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

“There has already been a visit, (based on) the photos that were taken on February 19. 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,” he said at a press conference in Jitra today.

“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.”

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

He also questioned the lack of investigation papers on the illegal mining activities despite having the Kedah Land and Mine’s Office director (Md Shumaime Abdul Rahmah) as a member of the Menteri Besar Incorporated board of advisers.

“He (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,” he said.

“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.”

Saifuddin also claimed that Sanusi knew all operations related to REE in the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, urging the menteri besar to explain in detail, including the involvement of a Chinese national who has now disappeared. – Bernama, August 3, 2023.