{
  "id": 9653064,
  "title": "Sekatan eksport REE boleh bantu Malaysia naik rantaian nilai, kata pakar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/sekatan-eksport-ree-boleh-bantu-malaysia-naik-rantaian-nilai-kata",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/tempatan/2026/09/25/sekatan-eksport-ree-boleh-bantu-malaysia-naik-rantaian-nilai-kata-pakar"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia can boost its high-value industries by limiting rare earth metal (REE) raw export, but processing capability for high-quality products needs to be developed, according to experts. Idzat Idris from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said restricting exports can encourage more processing and domestic production instead of exporting raw materials at a lower value. He highlighted the potential for Malaysia to achieve greater value through ore beneficiation, high-quality neodymium production, high-performance magnets, and advanced materials. \"This can benefit industries such as electric vehicles, high-end electric motors, wind turbines, electronics, robotics, aerospace, defense, and medical equipment,\" he told FMT. However, he warned that restricting exports without sufficient domestic processing capacity could lead to reverse effects, including stockpiling, lower prices, illegal exports, or dependence on a foreign supplier or buyer. The Malaysian government imposed a raw raw export moratorium starting January 1, 2024, to encourage the development of intermediate processing and downstream industries domestically. Environmental economist Norlida Hanim Salleh said the move can help Malaysia avoid the experience of other mineral industries, particularly bauxite, where most value-added is generated after raw materials leave the country. Malaysia was once the world's largest bauxite producer and exporter, but the industry was more focused on milling and exporting rather than developing higher-value downstream industries. \"When industries with different technologies and expertise join under a national consortium, development can be more organized and focused, in addition to making it easier for the government to provide support,\" she said. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) is currently working with researchers and industry players to develop domestic REE technology and commercialize research results. Key research areas include faster ore beneficiation, recycling of magnets, and greener extraction methods, such as through the Strategic Research Fund and the Moonshot REE program. Malaysian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, has previously emphasized the importance of closer cooperation among government, researchers, and industry to develop the sector. During the XThREE conference last November, Chang stated that global competition for critical minerals is not just about economic gains but also strategic resilience and technological dominance. As a result, the ministry has set up facilities such as the Terra Mineral Lab for mineral analysis and certification, and Malaco Mining's pilot REE beneficiation site to accelerate domestic REE technology development and commercialization, as well as train skilled labor. Meanwhile, industry consultant Teoh Lay Hock said restricting raw REE export could discourage investment in the upstream sector if there are no local buyers for rare earth carbonate products. He suggested allowing export restrictions while building domestic processing capacity, then gradually reducing them as domestic demand increases. Foreign participation is still needed, Norlida said, as Malaysia does not yet have the capability to develop the entire REE value chain independently and still requires investment and advanced expertise from other countries. Technological transfer should be structured with measurable transfer and local participation. \"Foreign and local ownership should be balanced, with Malaysians represented in management and technical roles. \"Technology transfer must be measurable and have a clear timeline, in addition to incentives for successful companies,\" she said. Ensuring the safety of REE milling requires assessing environmental impact and operating procedures for radioactive milling, which has already provided a solid foundation. However, its effectiveness depends on proper implementation, independent monitoring, and strong enforcement. Malaysia needs stronger coordination between federal and state governments, technically skilled inspectors, and wider public access to monitoring data. She stressed the need for more rigorous monitoring of the REE project because milling and processing activities can increase or enhance the concentration of naturally occurring radioactive materials like thorium. \"Monitoring should cover groundwater, surface water, soil, waste dumps, and radiation levels, including nearby communities and lowland areas. \"Clearly defined safety limits and shutdown procedures should be established if there is an unusual increase in thorium, other heavy metals, or radiation levels.\"",
  "summary": "Dasar itu boleh mengekalkan lebih banyak nilai dalam negara tetapi kapasiti pemprosesan dan penguatkuasaan perlu diperkukuh.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Sekatan eksport REE boleh bantu Malaysia naik rantaian nilai, kata pakar",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/sekatan-eksport-ree-boleh-bantu-malaysia-naik-rantaian-nilai-kata-9656606",
        "published": "2026-09-24T23:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}