"This is not something new. Take Indonesia who banned their nickel exportation. By processing the material domestically, we can develop our own downstream industry," he said.
On Sept 12, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Federal Government would develop the policy to avoid any REE exploitation, losing resources as well as securing a maximum return for the country. In August, Indonesia had stepped up its defence of its nickel ore export curbs the European Union had protested against, asserting its right to enhance value addition, boost its economy, and create job opportunities by climbing the value chain.