Sanusi denies granting permit to REE thieves to enter forest reserve

BALING - Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has refuted allegations granting permits to thieves to enter Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, here.

He was responding to claims made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution.

Sanusi who leads the PN election machinery said only the Forestry Department holds the authority to issue permits for entry into the forest reserve.

"He (Saifuddin Nasution) said Sanusi granted permission to REE thieves to enter the forest reserve. Listen. Let me tell you, the permission to enter the forest reserve can only be issued by the Forestry Department, not the Menteri Besar, not the Menteri Besar's Office, not the District Office, not any other agency.

"The only agency that can issue permits to enter the forest reserve is the Forestry Department, not the Menteri Besar, understand?" he said at the Baling PN Candidate Programme along with the Gathering of Anak Baling at Kampung Lalang Siong public field yesterday.

Sanusi claimed thatSaifuddin had entered the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve without a permit, hinting that the minister could be charged for unauthorised entry.

"He didn't apply for a permit, he can be charged for entering without a permit," he claimed.

Sanusi said despite being appointed as MB, he still applies for a permit from the relevant agency each time there is a need to enter the forest reserve area.

"Let the shoe fit the right foot so that no atomic explosion occurs. If it remains unattended, the shoe could be placed under one's bed, leading to an unexpected 'explosion'" he said jokingly.

He further said the governance practiced by the state government during his tenure.

"Our governance and administration have been consistent over the past three years. Each agency and department fulfills its role without encroaching on others' functions. This separation of duties ensures effective operation," he said.

"As for Pudin, he mixes everything together in his sack and then drags it," he said.

Previously at the media conference, Saifuddin questioned how REE thieves could reach Compartment 12 of the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve and bypass four security fences, all of which were guarded.

He claimed that it would not be possible for the mineral thieves to pass all these fences to reach the location without the permission of the Kedah Menteri Besar's Corporation (MBI).