Malaysian NGOs Fear Rare Earth Minerals Could Fuel Global Conflicts

Malaysian Islamic NGOs, under the umbrella organization Pembela, have voiced serious concerns about the potential use of rare earth minerals processed in Malaysia to support the war industries of major global powers. The group is particularly apprehensive about a RM450 million agreement reached in March between Lynas, an Australian rare earth mining company operating in Pahang, and the Pentagon.

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Malaysia, as a country that consistently champions peace and rejects oppression, should not be tainted by the perception that resources processed in the country are part of the military industry's supply chain.

Datuk Zainul Rijal Abu Bakar, chairman of Pembela, stated that Malaysia, a nation consistently advocating for peace and opposing oppression, should not be perceived as contributing to the supply chain of military industries. He emphasized that rare earth minerals are not ordinary commodities but possess high strategic value for advanced technologies, including radar systems, missiles, fighter jets, drones, and submarines.

Pembela is calling on the Malaysian government to ensure absolute transparency and good governance in all rare earth processing activities, prioritizing national interests. The organization stresses that the management of these strategic resources should not solely focus on economic gains but must also account for security, geopolitical implications, and moral responsibilities. Malaysia's firm stance in supporting the Palestinian people and advocating for peaceful conflict resolution should not be compromised by involvement in the war industry's supply chain.

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Rare earths are no longer ordinary trade commodities. These minerals have high strategic value for advanced technologies, including radar systems, missiles, fighter jets, drones, and submarines.

The group urges the government to provide a clear explanation to the public regarding its rare earth export policies and the mechanisms in place to monitor the end-use of these materials. Pembela also advocates for the development of a comprehensive National Critical Minerals Policy, involving Parliament, industry experts, and non-governmental organizations to ensure inclusivity and transparency. Companies in this sector must adhere to high governance standards and conduct rigorous due diligence on their supply chains to comply with international law, ensuring these strategic resources are managed wisely for universal human benefit, not just economic profit.

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The profits obtained should not sacrifice the principle of peace, which is the basis of the country's stance internationally.