Perak collects RM31mil in royalties from rare earth carbonate export

PERAK received almost RM31mil in royalty payments from the export of rare earth carbonate to China, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.

The Perak Mentri Besar said the royalties were generated from the export of about 8,157 metric tonnes of rare earth carbonate to China between February 2023 and May 2024.

“The state is focused on developing the mineral mining industry as a new revenue source.

“The state has also seen an increase in royalty collection from RM101mil in 2022 to RM129mil in 2023,” he said in reply to Nga Kor Ming (PH-Kepayang) at the Perak State Assembly in Ipoh.

Nga had asked about the achievements of the Perak unity government since it was formed in 2022.

Saarani said the state achieved its highest revenue collection to date last year with RM1.21bil.

“In 2022, we collected about RM1.093bil,” he said.

“We were also able to table 2024 budget of about RM1.35bil, the highest for the state,” he said.

Saarani added that Perak was committed to ensuring the prosperity of the state and its people while tackling poverty.

The state government had helped 8,128 heads of households who were registered in the eKasih system as of Feb 1.

To a supplementary question from Nga, Saarani said the state had agencies to disseminate information and ensure the public got proper information and understood government policies.

“We have Perak FM (state radio station), Information Department and our own strategic communications team to present factual information.

“We hope the people can benefit from this and not be taken advantage of and confused by certain parties, which can cause political instability,” he added.

Saarani said the public could see the achievements of the current and previous state government.

“I am also more interested to show how we have worked hard to rejuvenate our economy and our achievements after the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.