ALOR STAR: The responsibility for the standard operating procedures (SOP) for Rare Earth Elements (REE) mining falls under the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), not state governments, says Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
"The SOP for REE mining operations is issued by Nik Nazmi's ministry, not by the state government," Sanusi told the New Straits Times, clarifying the jurisdiction.
His comments followed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) call for state governments to establish SOPs for REE mining.
Today, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said that inadequate SOPs could lead to illegal mining and theft.
He added that the current SOP, tailored for standard minerals, lacks specifications for REE and requires updates.
In July, NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad confirmed that the REE SOP for Kedah had been completed and the state government was notified.