Malaysia has an estimated 274,144 metric tonnes of rare earth elements (REE) resources across nine states, based on detailed studies covering a total area of 103.9sqkm, reported the New Straits Times.
Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the studies were carried out by the Minerals and Geoscience Department under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) from 2021 to 2025.
“The estimated measured resources of REE comprise Terengganu, Perak, Kedah, Sarawak, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Kelantan, Selangor and Johor.
“The ministry, together with relevant ministries and agencies, remains committed to developing the country’s REE industry in phases across the entire value chain, with emphasis on legal compliance, environmental protection and public safety,” he said.
He was responding in a written parliamentary reply to a question by Chow Kon Yeow (PH–Batu Kawan) on the direction of Malaysia’s REE industry, including the framework for federal-state involvement and new discoveries by states over the past five years.
On governance, Arthur said the involvement of state and federal governments was guided by existing jurisdictional divisions.
