KUALA LUMPUR: Waste management related to rare earth element mining must be ironed out before Malaysia ventures deep into the industry, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani (pic).
The acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister said proper and detailed research must first be carried out.
Johari said mining activities, if not managed properly, can see the excess produce causing disasters.
“If we really want to embark on the rare earth industry, we must be very clear on how the waste is handled,” he said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
Citing the example of copper mining activities in Ranau, Sabah, which took place from 1975 to 1999, he noted that the resulting contamination made the water unsafe for fish.
He also referenced mining activities in Bukit Merah, Perak, occurring between 1982 and 1994.
“Eventually, the mine was closed as there was no adherence to waste management standard operating procedures,” he said.
Johari was responding to a question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus), who asked about the matter.
Meanwhile, Johari said the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) will carry out an impact study on mining activities in permanent forest reserves.
He said the study aims to create a scientific and technical basis for policies related to the prohibition of mining activities in permanent forests, environmentally sensitive areas, and protected reserves.
“The study is being carried out in phases over a five-year period,” Johari said.
He said the first phase will involve pre-mining (2024 to 2025), mining (2026 to 2027) and post-mining (2028 to 2029) eras.
“Components of the study will comprise aspects of hydrology, land, flora, fauna, carbon stock and the socio-economy,” Johari added.
Separately, he stated that the Attorney General’s Chambers is reviewing the Climate Change Bill and plans to table it later this year.
“If there are no major changes to the Bill, we will table it after the Budget 2026,” he said.
Johari was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad (BN-Simpang Renggam), who inquired about the latest updates on the Bill.
As the global temperature rises, environmental activists and other professionals in Malaysia are pressing for the Climate Change Bill to be tabled in Parliament soon to make environmental rights a human rights concern.
