KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has allocated RM18 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to conduct a study on Rare Earth Element (REE) resource potential in the state, covering an area of approximately 3,134 square kilometers.

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan stated that the study represents an initial step toward identifying the potential of these mineral resources to serve as a foundation for developing Sarawak's REE industry.

“The Sarawak Government has approved an allocation of RM18 million under RMK13 to enable a study on the potential presence of REE resources across an area of approximately 3,134 square kilometers,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Wednesday.

According to him, the state government has prepared an integrated development roadmap framework for the REE industry, covering the entire value chain from upstream to downstream stages, with the ultimate goal of developing a super magnet manufacturing industry.

He added that the development of this industry holds the potential to support high-tech sectors including semiconductors, aerospace, and satellites, alongside applications in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, defense technology, and the medical field.

Toward this end, the Sarawak Government has requested the Federal Government to channel a larger allocation to the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG) Sarawak Branch to expand mineral resource studies statewide.

He clarified that this step aims to provide a more comprehensive overview of Sarawak's REE potential as a baseline for industrial development planning and to maximise its economic benefits for the state. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim