Rare earth mining project not in forest reserve - Perak MB

 

The rare earth mining project in Hulu Perak is not in a permanent forest reserve (HSK) and is outside the central forest spine (CFS) area, said Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad.

He said the site involves land owned by the State Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC).

“So, any party, especially NGOs (non-governmental organisations) that claim the area involved is under HSK, I suggest they check with the State Forestry Department and the Land and Mines Office.

“I have personally checked with the departments concerned and it has been proven that the area is not under the Permanent Forest Reserve or CFS," he said.

He was speaking at a press conference after launching the 2030 Perak Sejahtera Plan in Ipoh, Perak, today.

Yesterday, Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) urged the Perak government to review the implementation of the lanthanide rare earth mining project in Hulu Perak.

The NGO claimed the project is located in an ecological corridor that connects the Kenderong Forest Reserve and the Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve, which is a wildlife habitat.

On the 2030 Perak Sejahtera Plan, Saarani said it is a comprehensive and long-term state development plan.

It focuses on food security, digital economy, data-driven decision making, responsible and sustainable smart mining, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), as well as governance of state projects, he said.

“The state government will pioneer sectors that add value to the state, increase employment opportunities, bridge the education gap, and improve the well-being of the people,” he added.

- Bernama