The Kedah government needs to clarify various issues related to the mining and theft of rare earth elements (REE) in the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve in Sik, after several individuals were arrested for trespassing into the area, last month.

Kedah Umno Liaison chief Mahdzir Khalid said the state government must be held accountable for any mining of natural resources and minerals whether licenced or carried out illegally.

Mahdzir said the state government’s silence on the issue was...