Kedah agrees on policy to ban REE export

YAN - The Kedah government agrees with the suggestion of the Unity government to develop a policy to ban the export of rare earth elements (REE), which could improve the country, especially Kedah.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the state government was prepared to offer several industrial sites in Kedah as REE factory construction sites.

He added that three existing medium- and heavy-industrial areas have been identified as suitable for the development of the industry.

"We have offered several of our industrial sites for REE factory construction in Gurun (Kuala Muda), Padang Meha, and Sungai Ular (Kulim). We have industrial land sites owned by the Kedah State Development Body (PKNK) and the private sector to develop REE factories here.

"We agree and are thankful for the announcement of the policies. The areas are chosen based on their strategic position. When the government makes such decisions, whether they want it or not, the technology will move here," he said.

Sanusi told reporters such after the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) meeting at the Asnaf Large Scale Smart Sawah site, Batu 17, Padang Lumat, here on Wednesday.

He said such when asked to comment on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's announcement to develop a policy to avoid exploiting and losing REE sources and guaranteeing the maximum returns for the nation during the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review (12MP MTR) last Monday.

Sanusi said the state government celebrated it well, supported the Unity government's suggestion, and was even prepared for it to be realised despite it taking some time.

He explained the state government had raised the same suggestion, including creating REE factories in Kedah, since last year.

"That's also the intention of the state government. Before the prime minister announced it, I had announced our intention to have a factory here a year prior. Because of that, we are a bit behind. It doesn't matter; we are not confused; the ones who are confused are the ones who stole the REE," he said.

Sanusi shared that the state government had until now received investment offers from a company with expertise in the REE field.

"This company stated the intention to cooperate in making Kedah their final product processing hub specifically for Asia, Europe, and Western Asia.

"With this, the state government welcomes both domestic and foreign companies that are interested in building REE processing factories in Kedah," he said.