Renewable energy and rare earth sectors facing threats

NEW emerging industries such as the renewable energy and rare earth sectors are facing threats of illegal smuggling and forbidden activities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that no firm action had been taken against such illegal activities.

“Our constraint lies in several emerging industries, including renewable energy and the current use of rare earth resources, facing various issues of smuggling and illicit actions.

“Only the Negri Sembilan government has taken firm action to shut down those illegal factories.

“However, other states have not taken strong measures to prevent foreigners especially from utilising our capabilities and local resources.

“The firm action by the Negri Sembilan government is aimed at preventing foreigners in particular from exploiting our capabilities and domestic resources,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT) yesterday.

He was responding to a question from Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng) regarding the Hydrogen Technology and Economic Direction Plan established by the National Science Council meeting recently.

On May 24, Negri Sembilan authorities uncovered an illegal rare earth mine in a village in Seri Menanti.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said authorities acted on a tip-off received by the Kuala Pilah District and Land Office on May 16.

He said the authorities also seized gunny sacks believed to contain rare earth elements as well as equipment used.

He warned that action would be taken against wrongdoers as this was a serious offence.

Commenting on the plan, the Prime Minister said it was a long-term national plan to advance the hydrogen economy through an innovative ecosystem driven by technology, enabling a transition to cleaner energy.

He said the formulation of the plan aligned with four objectives encompassing the 12th Malaysia Plan, the National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan, the Malaysia New Energy Direction Plan 2022-2035 and the National Energy Policy 2022-2040.

Anwar also noted that there was a lot of potential in the production of green hydrogen energy, in which Sarawak is leading.

The Prime Minister said the production of green hydrogen energy should be commercialised not only for local consumption but also to be exported overseas.

This is because the income generation was projected to exceed RM12.1bil through the Emissions-Driven Scenario (EDS) model.

“For instance, recently Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg flew on an autonomous aircraft powered by green hydrogen energy from Kuching to Langkawi and returning to Sarawak.

“We have reached a point that it should be (properly) commercialised, and I agree with the calls to expedite it, so all machinery must support our capabilities not only to produce it for internal use in the country but also for export,” he said to a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed Hashim (PN-Terengganu).