Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat, Tuan Ibrahim said Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had even given an assurance that areas involving water catchments previously approved for logging purposes would be replaced with other locations.

He said no approval has been given for any environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for REE mining in Kedah. Any activity involving the environment must first have EIA approval from the environment department.

Mining activities require EIA reports to be approved first under Section 34A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Up to now, there has been no such application in Kedah, he said.

He was replying to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh) who asked Tuan Ibrahim on the ministry’s measures to protect Ulu Muda from toxic pollution if REE mining proceeds in Kedah.

The Ulu Muda forest reserve in Kedah serves as a vital water catchment area for the northern region, providing 96% of the raw water in Kedah, 80% in Penang and 70% in Perlis, benefitting some 4.2 million consumers.

Should the REE mining proceed, Tuan Ibrahim gave an assurance that the ministry will have the EIA report vetted professionally and in detail to ensure the environment is protected.