By CW Claire
KUCHING, May 20 2026: The state government has established special committee for the development of Sarawak Rare Earth Elements (REE) Industry.
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Deputy Premier Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the committee will be responsible for coordinating the study and assessment of the potential of REE resources in Sarawak.
“The framework for this study is expected to be finalized in July 2026,” he said in his winding up speech in the state legislative assembly (SLA) today.
He said in the state government's efforts to develop high-impact industries based on REE, particularly in the fields of semiconductors and aerospace, explaining the reason for the establishment of the special committee.
Awang Tengah also said Sarawak is leading a green economy based on sustainable forests.
He added Sarawak's forests are not just natural treasures, but are also the backbone of the state's economic prosperity, social inclusion and environmental sustainability.
“With a significant forest cover, Sarawak is in a unique position as a tropical region that still has a rich and relatively preserved forest ecosystem,” he said.
He said Sarawak has the potential to develop green energy through forest biomass waste as an environmentally friendly energy source.
“This waste-to-energy approach reduces waste and fire risk, supporting carbon neutrality in line with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
He added as of 1 May 1, 2026, a total of 10 forest carbon study permits have been approved, including one forest carbon license covering an area of 257,658 hectares.
“Sarawak's carbon trading initiative not only has the potential to generate a new economy, but also strengthens the region's international commitments under the Paris Agreement through efforts to reduce global carbon emissions and sustainably manage forests,” he said.
