The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has initiated an investigation into the caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, over allegations of misusing authority regarding illegal rare earth element (REE) mining. It is suspected that the mining activities were conducted without proper authorization and led to significant losses for the state government.
Rare earth elements are a group of 17 elements that are crucial components in various high-tech products, including electronics, magnets, batteries, and renewable energy technologies. The extraction and processing of these elements can generate large amounts of radioactive waste and toxic by-products, leading to potential environmental contamination.
In the past, China has been the dominant global supplier of rare earth elements, but other countries, including Malaysia, have also been involved in their production. Malaysia was previously home to one of the world's largest rare earth processing facilities operated by Lynas Corporation, an Australian company. This facility processed rare earth ores from Australia, and it became a subject of controversy due to concerns about its environmental and radioactive waste management practices.
Protests and public scrutiny about the Lynas plant's operations occurred in Malaysia, with activists expressing worries about the potential environmental and health risks associated with the handling of radioactive materials. The Malaysian government has taken measures to address these concerns and set regulations on radioactive waste management and environmental protection.
The issue of illegal mining and land loss was brought to light by various non-governmental organizations and residents in Bukit Enggang Sik area, including the Gerakan Anti-Sanusi (GAS), in March 2023. Authorities intervened and halted the large-scale illegal mining operations.
Earlier, Kedah Umno had called on the MACC to investigate potential political interference in the REE theft issue, which caused substantial losses to the state. Recently, individuals lodged official complaints with the MACC, prompting a probe into allegations of abuse of power and corruption involving the Kedah Menteri Besar. The complaints were triggered by a widely circulated letter related to the foreign worker quota application to the Ministry of Home Affairs, reportedly connected to a joint venture between the State Government and a local company, along with a Chinese company.
Kedah MACC began its investigation in early 2023 and has interviewed several witnesses. However, the progress of the investigation remains undisclosed.
MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations), Datuk Seri Ahmad Khusairi Yahaya, confirmed that multiple investigation papers have been opened under Section 17 (a) and Section 23 of the Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009, including ones initiated by the Kedah MACC in March 2023. Nonetheless, he declined to comment on whether the Menteri Besar will be summoned for questioning in the near future.
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