Latest news with #JMG
The Sun
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
NiGEN 2025 to enhance Malaysia's groundwater management for water security
KUALA LUMPUR: The 2025 National Integrated Groundwater Network (NiGEN) programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country's groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG) director-general, Datuk Zamri Ramli, said the effort was in line with the aspirations of a MADANI Malaysia in ensuring the security of the country's water supply and environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations. He said NiGEN 2025, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) through JMG, is a strategic engagement platform that brings together stakeholders from the groundwater-related industry to foster smart collaboration. 'NiGEN 2025 is also a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of advanced monitoring technology and reporting on the progress of the pilot project for pioneering groundwater mapping and development projects in Kedah (PABT Kedah),' he said in a statement today. According to Zamri, the implementation of NiGEN 2025 supports the principles of inclusiveness, good governance and sustainability which are the core of MADANI Malaysia, in line with current government policies such as the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040) under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). In addition, he said the programme is in line with the National Water Resources Policy (DSAN) and the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach which emphasises the use of scientific data and digital technology in addition to supporting the Public Service Digitalisation Agenda through the use of MyGovCloud in the groundwater monitoring system. 'This programme also provides a platform to obtain industry and stakeholder feedback, which will form the basis for improving policies, project implementation and governance of the country's water sector in the future. 'With the participation of international hydrogeological experts, NiGEN 2025 also opens up opportunities to share best practices in groundwater resource management at the global and local levels,' he said. At the same time, Zamri said that among the key impacts targeted through NiGEN 2025 is to expand the national monitoring network of groundwater resources and provide high-quality data to support the country's water security policy. He said it is also to improve preparedness against climate change and weather uncertainty; guarantee access to clean and sufficient water in rural areas; and strengthen the technical capacity and innovation in the country's hydrogeological field. 'NRES and JMG are committed to expanding the groundwater mapping project to other states such as Melaka and Sabah to create a more comprehensive, transparent and responsive national water resource management system. 'NiGEN 2025 reflects the government's commitment to laying a solid foundation to ensure the sustainability of the country's water resources, in line with the spirit of a Malaysia MADANI for future generations,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
NiGEN 2025 To Bolster national Groundwater Management For Nation's Water Security
KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- The 2025 National Integrated Groundwater Network (NiGEN) programme is an integrated strategic initiative to strengthen the management and development of the country's groundwater resources sustainably based on scientific data. Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG) director-general, Datuk Zamri Ramli, said the effort was in line with the aspirations of a MADANI Malaysia in ensuring the security of the country's water supply and environmental sustainability for the well-being of future generations. He said NiGEN 2025, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) through JMG, is a strategic engagement platform that brings together stakeholders from the groundwater-related industry to foster smart collaboration. "NiGEN 2025 is also a space for knowledge transfer, sharing of advanced monitoring technology and reporting on the progress of the pilot project for pioneering groundwater mapping and development projects in Kedah (PABT Kedah)," he said in a statement today. According to Zamri, the implementation of NiGEN 2025 supports the principles of inclusiveness, good governance and sustainability which are the core of MADANI Malaysia, in line with current government policies such as the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040) under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). In addition, he said the programme is in line with the National Water Resources Policy (DSAN) and the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach which emphasises the use of scientific data and digital technology in addition to supporting the Public Service Digitalisation Agenda through the use of MyGovCloud in the groundwater monitoring system. 'This programme also provides a platform to obtain industry and stakeholder feedback, which will form the basis for improving policies, project implementation and governance of the country's water sector in the future. 'With the participation of international hydrogeological experts, NiGEN 2025 also opens up opportunities to share best practices in groundwater resource management at the global and local levels,' he said. At the same time, Zamri said that among the key impacts targeted through NiGEN 2025 is to expand the national monitoring network of groundwater resources and provide high-quality data to support the country's water security policy.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt identifies REE as strategic mineral source, to pursue responsible mining, says Johari
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has identified rare earth elements (REE) as a strategic mineral resource with significant economic potential, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. However, the acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister emphasised that any development must be carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. 'To realise this potential, the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, from upstream to midstream and downstream, consistent with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 (NMP3). 'However, this must be done responsibly and sustainably,' he said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday (July 28). He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who had asked the ministry to state its stance on REE mining in Malaysia and to explain the studies which encouraged the government to promote such activities, as well as how public concerns over pollution, water safety, technological capacity and public health would be addressed. Johari said a study under the 11th Malaysia Plan found that inferred REE resources in the country amounted to an estimated 16.1 million metric tonnes. However, further studies are required to determine the volume of measured resources and, subsequently, extractable reserves. 'A follow-up review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) identified an estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) with potential for REE mining, subject to further evaluation and necessary approvals,' he added. To ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and sustainably, Johari said JMG, as the lead technical agency, will regulate operations under the Mineral Development Act 1994. This includes pollution control and periodic safety inspections. 'In Perak, for example, regulatory mechanisms have been strengthened through the establishment of the State Technical Regulatory Committee on REE Mining, which involves 10 technical agencies at both federal and state levels,' he said. Johari added that the ministry has commissioned the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to carry out an impact assessment of REE mining on forest ecosystems. This includes preliminary studies of a mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction was carried out within a rubber plantation, he added. On technology, Johari said the project in Mukim Kenering currently uses the in-situ leaching (ISL) method with technological cooperation from China. Nevertheless, he said the ministry aims to build local expertise in upstream and midstream activities through strategic and progressive technology-sharing initiatives. 'The government is committed to balancing economic potential with public concerns, particularly regarding pollution risks, water safety, public health and local technological capability,' he said.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt identifies sites with rare earth mining potential
KUALA LUMPUR: An estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside permanent forest reserves (PFR) have the potential to be developed into rare earth element (REE) mines. Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this is based on a review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG). "Based on studies under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the JMG identified inferred REE resources amounting to 16.1 million metric tonnes. "However, further studies are still needed to determine the quantity of measured resources and eventually, mineable reserves. "A further review by JMG estimated approximately 144,220 hectares of land outside PFR as having potential to be developed into REE mines, subject to further assessment and relevant approvals," he said in a written parliamentary reply. He added that the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, encompassing upstream, midstream, and downstream levels in line with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 in a responsible and sustainable manner. He said to ensure REE mining operations are conducted safely, sustainably, and responsibly, JMG, as the main technical agency will regulate mining activities through the enforcement of the Mineral Development Act 1994, including pollution control and operational safety monitoring on a periodic basis. "Taking Perak as a regulatory model, this oversight is further strengthened by the establishment of the Perak State REE Mining Technical Regulatory Committee, which involves collaboration from 10 technical agencies at both the federal and state levels," he said. He added that the ministry has also appointed the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to conduct an environmental impact assessment study on REE mining on forest ecosystems. This includes preliminary studies conducted at the REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction takes place on a rubber plantation. "In terms of technology, the current REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Gerik, Perak, is being carried out using in-situ leaching (ISL) methods in collaboration with Chinese technology partners. "However, it is the ministry's policy to encourage the development of local expertise, particularly in the upstream and midstream sectors, through structured and progressive technology-sharing initiatives. "The government is committed to ensuring that the development of this industry strikes a balance between economic potential and public concerns including pollution risks, water source safety, public health, and local technological capacity," he said. Johari said the government would continue efforts through collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the development of Malaysia's REE industry achieves the goals of economic prosperity, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability. He was responding to Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) who asked the ministry's position on REE, findings of studies that led to the ministry's decision to encourage REE mining activities, and how the ministry is balancing public concerns regarding pollution risks, technological limitations, water source safety, and public health in the interest of the public.
The Star
02-07-2025
- The Star
Loud boom in Perak could've been natural, says state top cop
IPOH: While a natural explanation is likely, the cause of the loud boom and brief tremor that shook several parts of Ipoh is still being investigated, says the Perak police chief. Datuk Noor Hisam Noordin said the incident, which occurred at around 10.30am on June 18, sparked concern among residents in Chemor, Chepor and Tanah Hitam. 'Initial investigations have not found any evidence of misconduct or unscheduled demolition activity at quarries. 'We have interviewed residents from the affected areas and referred the matter to geologists and the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG),' he told reporters during a handover ceremony at the Senior Police Officers' Mess yesterday. 'There is no indication of any misconduct or unscheduled blasting activity. 'It's all natural causes but we are still conducting a thorough investigation,' he said, adding that a similar incident occurred on June 6 last year. 'Such events might happen only once every 10 years. But now we've seen two consecutive cases in June. 'We are studying this phenomenon more closely.' He added that authorities will be calling for a multi-agency meeting involving JMG, quarry operators, the armed forces and other related bodies to discuss the issue in greater depth. 'The public is advised to remain calm and not to speculate. There is no cause for alarm. People can continue with their daily routines as usual,' he said. On a separate matter, Noor Hisam said the police have recorded a statement from a teacher accused of posting offensive remarks about the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students on the East-West Highway in Gerik. 'We have already recorded the statement and seized his mobile phone to assist in the investigation. 'The investigation paper is almost complete, pending the medical report from the hospital. 'Once received, we will submit the case to the deputy public prosecutor for further action,' he said. Earlier, a Facebook account bearing the name 'Khalid Yunus' had sparked public outrage after it wrote that the 15 students had 'died in disgrace'. The post has since been deleted and the account holder has posted a public apology, claiming he suffered from schizophrenia. State education, higher education, youth and sports committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah later confirmed that the account belonged to a secondary school teacher. The Perak Education Department is also preparing a full report on the matter.
