Why are foreigners reportedly seen at Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve?

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Foreigners Reportedly Seen at Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve Due to Allegations of Illegal Mining and Trespassing Activities

Residents near the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve have reported seeing individuals, believed to be foreigners, entering and leaving the area. These sightings have led to speculation about ongoing rare earth element (REE) mining and exploration activities. Legal actions have been taken against some individuals, including foreigners, for trespassing into the reserve, and the Kedah government has previously compounded a Chinese national for illegal REE mining and trespassing.
Allegations of Ongoing REE Mining and Exploration

Concerns have been raised by local residents who claim to have observed individuals, identified as foreigners, moving in and out of the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve. These observations have fueled questions regarding the continuation of rare earth element (REE) mining and exploration within the protected area. The Kedah Parti Amanah Negara chairman has called for a comprehensive investigation into these alleged suspicious activities.
Legal Action for Trespassing

The presence of individuals in the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve has resulted in legal consequences. On April 13, a total of 40 individuals, including 35 foreigners, were charged in court with trespassing into the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve. This action indicates that unauthorized entry into the area has been a significant issue, prompting official charges against those involved.
Previous Enforcement Against Illegal Mining

The Kedah state government has previously taken action against illegal REE mining activities in Sik. In October, a Chinese national was compounded by the Kedah government for losses incurred due to illegal REE mining. This individual paid a total of RM630,000, comprising RM500,000 for illegal mining and RM130,000 for trespassing within the Bukit Enggang forest reserve. The state government opted for compounding rather than court proceedings, with the maximum compound amount directly benefiting state coffers.
Official Statements on REE Activities

Despite the allegations and enforcement actions, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has denied any involvement of Mentri Besar Kedah Incorporated (MBI Kedah) in REE exploration and mining activities at the Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve. However, it was reported in January that MBI Kedah had entered into a memorandum of understanding with Jangka Bakat Minerals Sdn Bhd and China's Xiamen Tungsten Co Ltd concerning REE exploration, technical assistance, and mining within the state.

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Why are foreigners reportedly seen at Bukit Enggang Forest Reserve?

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