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Natural resources

National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) Update: Five-Year Study to Assess Feasibility of Rare Earth Element Mining in Permanent Forest Reserves

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) is expected to be tabled in Parliament after the presentation of Budget 2026, Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani announced today. The Bill, currently under review by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC), aims to address policies related to mining in Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK). To assess the feasibility of rare earth element (REE) mining activities in HSK, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) has agreed for the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to carry out an impact study. The five-year study will cover pre-mining, mining, and post-mining phases, with cooperation from various technical agencies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) is expected to be tabled in Parliament after Budget 2026, pending review by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC).
  • The proposed five-year study on rare earth element (REE) mining in Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) areas aims to assess feasibility and potential impacts.
  • The study, conducted by the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), will cover six main aspects: hydrology, soil, flora, fauna, carbon stock, and socio-economy.
  • Cooperation with technical agencies, including the Forestry Department, Minerals and Geoscience Department, Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Department of Environment, and PLANMalaysia, is crucial for the study's success.
  • A short-term study on in-situ leaching mining method in a rubber plantation area in Perak showed minimal negative impact, but further assessment is needed for natural forest areas.
  • FRIM's ongoing repeat data collection for 2025 aims to compare preliminary findings, with completion expected in October 2025.

Statistics:

  • Budget 2026
  • Five-year study duration
  • Six main aspects to be assessed: hydrology, soil, flora, fauna, carbon stock, and socio-economy
  • Number of agencies cooperating: 7
  • Timeline for short-term study completion: September 2025
  • Timeline for repeat data collection completion: October 2025

Sources:

  • "Dewan Rakyat told National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN) to be tabled after Budget 2026 presentation."
  • "Minister: No mining in HSK areas yet."

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