EXCLUSIVE | While one of the themes stated in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review is on “advancing green growth” to move towards a low-carbon nation, the government also said it will develop a policy to unlock the value of rare earth elements (REE).

The policy - which Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said is intended to prevent the exploitation of REE and resource loss and will guarantee “maximum returns for the country” - has since been viewed as hypocritical considering the environmental impacts of mining activities.

This is especially since...