More To Be Charged For Trespassing Into Sik Forest Reserves Saifuddin

---

More suspects will be charged for trespassing in forest reserves in Sik, Kedah linked to the alleged theft of rare earth elements (REE), said Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
He also implied again that the state government and agencies were involved in the case.
“The thieves have been arrested and charged in court, (and) there are still more waiting (to be charged).
“There exist elements of human trafficking and organised crime. The police are continuing their investigation. There is still a list of people wanted by the police but they have disappeared.
“Is there any involvement of the state government and the agencies under it? Be patient,” Saifuddin said in a Facebook posting today.
His statement came after reports that nine individuals, including five foreign citizens, were arrested and charged in the Baling Session Court today for trespassing into a forest reserve area.
Police have confirmed that the nine individuals are also suspected of carrying out REE exploration.
Saifuddin says the arrests and subsequent charges in court prove that theft did occur.
“I can’t do anything about those who choose to have ‘denial syndrome’,” he said.
Saifuddin has been in a protracted war of words with Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor over the alleged theft of REE in Bukit Enggang.
The minister had earlier disclosed alleged REE theft in Bukit Enggang and claimed that the Kedah Menteri Besar Inc was aware of the issue.
Sanusi denied the claims and said the revelations were maliciously made in light of the ongoing state elections in Kedah at the time.
Sanusi has since sued Saifuddin for defamation over this matter. - Mkini

---