According to The Star, approximately 16,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide were extracted illegally from five Malaysian states, Sik in Kedah, Lipis in Pahang, Pengkalan Hulu and Kuala Kangsar in Perak, and privately owned lands in Meranti and Jelebu in Negri Sembilan. These activities were conducted in forest reserves and private properties without proper authorisation. In comparison, 7,000 tonnes of rare earth carbonate, yielding 3,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide, was mined legally from a pilot project in Kenering, Perak. In terms of exports, the report found that Malaysia exported a total of 19,081 tonnes of rare earth oxide, valued at RM 975 million. With only 3,000 tonnes coming from the legal project in Kenering, the remaining 16,000 tonnes were identified as originating from illegal mining operations. In response, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, acknowledged the illegal mining issue and emphasised the need for a strategic plan to develop the rare earth industry in Malaysia.