The planned rare earth element mining in Jelai forest in Pahang will destroy the Orang Asli community and environment, Parti Socialis Malaysia's (PSM) environment bureau national coordinator Sharan Raj (above) said today.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that plans are afoot to mine rare earth from the Jelai forest in Pahang with the proposed project covering an area that can fit in 924 football fields.

At present, the project - which spans 660 hectares - has not yet been approved...