REE: Saifuddin demands explanation from Sanusi on permit letter issuance

PADANG TERAP: Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail demands an explanation from caretaker Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor regarding a state government letter granting permission to a company to enter Compartment 12, Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve in Sik on May 15, 2023.

However, this matter raises eyebrows as the company in question is alleged to be owned by an individual who was arrested and fined for stealing rare earth elements (REE) in the same area in January earlier this year.

"On the pretext of developing a forest plantation, this company stole rare earth elements in January. The thief was later arrested, fined, and released.

"However, on May 15, they received another permit letter to enter for the purpose of developing a forest plantation in Compartment 12, Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve, covering 500 hectares. About a month later, they were arrested again.

"So we want to ask the Menteri Besar, how long will this theft go on being defended? Why was another letter issued to the same person who was arrested and fined for the previous offenses?" he asked at a press conference today.

He made these remarks at the Pusat Daerah Mengundi (PDM) Naka after a campaign programme with the Barisan Nasional candidate for Pedu State Assembly, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.

Saifuddin claimed that not long after that, the individual was arrested again in June.

"It's as if the Kedah Menteri Besar can allow so much and do whatever he wants.Because 'I' am the Menteri Besar, with high popularity and youth support, so I can do anything?

"He can avoid answering other questions, but he must answer my question. What is the justification for the letter dated May 15 that the state government issued through the Forestry Department?" he said.