PAKATAN Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said a new case of rare earth element (REE) theft in an area owned by Kedah’s Menteri Besar Inc (MBI) was recently detected.

Saifuddin, who is also Home Minister, said the theft occurred in Bendang Man, Sik, about 15km from Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, where the last REE theft case was detected.

He said police have made arrests and seized five sacks filled with REE, allegedly being removed from the area for sampling.

“It is understood arrests were made, but I’m not sure of the number (of suspects) arrested; that needs to be referred to police. They said the (sacsks of) REE were exploration samples… but if they’re for sampling, why were five sacks removed?

“I can confirm, however, there is a letter dated May 3, 2023, bearing approval for them to enter MBI land in Kampung Bendang Man,” he told the media at the Alor Setar PKR office today.

Saifuddin said Kedah MBI chairman Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor must explain why MBI chief executive officer Muhammad Sobri Osman issued the approval for Jangka Bakat Minerals Sdn Bhd to enter and explore the area.

“What is the purpose for allowing them to enter the MBI area? Mahir Binari Sdn Bhd was previously given approval to enter to carry out land clearing, now Jangka Bakat was allowed to enter to take samples.

“Whether it’s for planting or sample taking, this matter cannot be left unaddressed as it could indicate (REE) theft in the area,” he said.

Saifuddin urged Kedah people to give the unity government the mandate at the state polls to ensure such theft is stopped.

“If we win, we will stop REE theft and cancel all approval letters. We will use the entirety of our jurisdiction to ensure investigations continue, and cooperate with police and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.

Saifuddin previously released exposés linked to the REE theft in Bukit Enggang, Sik, saying the activity was conducted with Sanusi’s knowledge. – Bernama, August 10, 2023.