PUTRAJAYA is working on a policy to prohibit the export of rare earths, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

“The government will develop a policy to prohibit the export of rare earths to avoid exploitation and the loss of resources while ensuring maximum return for the country.

“This step will also encourage domestic processing thus contributing to the nation’s additional revenue,” he told parliament while tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan mid-term review today.

He said the government would accelerate the development of non-radioactive rare earths.

Anwar said that the rare earth industry is expected to contribute RM9.5 billion to the GDP by 2025.

Rare earths mining was an issue in the campaign trail of the August state elections after Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor was accused of involvement in the illegal extraction of the deposits.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said rare earths were stolen in Bukit Enggang, Sik with the knowledge of Sanusi.

Last month, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) questioned 10 Kedah executive council members as part of an investigation into corruption and illegal rare earths mining in the state.

MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki recently noted that Sanusi was yet to be called up to answer questions while the agency worked on new leads.

On August 14, Sanusi filed a defamation suit against Saifuddin for linking him to the theft of rare earths and federal funds intended for road maintenance. – September 11, 2023.