KUALA LUMPUR: Strict action has been taken against enforcement officers who collude with groups illegally mining non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE), a minister said today.
The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry is constantly working with enforcement agencies to address the issue.
"In cases of encroachment on these areas, swift action has been taken, and we continue to work closely with enforcement authorities," said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
"The ministry is also cooperating with state governments to ensure rare earth development is carried out sustainably," he told a press conference here.
The sultan of Perak on Friday called for decisive action to be taken against enforcement officers who colluded with illegal miners of NR-REE.
"These encroachments and illicit operations lead to financial losses for the state, and pose harm to the environment and public health," Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah had said.
"Firm and immediate action is needed from enforcement agencies, particularly the Department of Forestry. Instances of collusion between enforcement personnel and illegal miners must be promptly investigated."
The Department of Mineral and Geoscience estimates that there are 1.69 million metric tonnes of NR-REE deposits in Perak, valued at around RM40 billion.
