Malaysia’s ambitions to become a major player in the global rare earth downstream industry have received a strong boost, with JS Link and Lynas Malaysia set to develop a RM600 million super magnet manufacturing facility in Pahang.
The high-value project, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will position Malaysia as a strategic hub in the rare earth supply chain, a critical component for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems and high-tech industries.
“This is no longer at the memorandum stage as the investment has been made, the land purchased and both companies are ready to begin operations. The next step is accelerating implementation,” Anwar said after concluding his working visit to South Korea for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
Anwar will meet Pahang Chief Minister Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on Nov 2 to facilitate project discussions, while Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz will monitor its progress.
The collaboration between JS Link, a South Korean industrial group, and Lynas Malaysia, one of the world’s largest rare earth producers, is expected to enhance Malaysia’s capabilities in advanced materials manufacturing.
In a social media post, Anwar said the initiative reflects strong investor confidence in Malaysia’s stable and innovation-driven economy, and supports global efforts to establish a secure, sustainable and diversified rare earth supply chain.
He highlighted that the upcoming facility will produce up to 3,000 tonnes of neodymium-iron-boron sintered permanent magnets annually, essential components in the production of EV motors, wind turbines and other precision technologies.
The project follows an initial agreement signed in July 2025 between Lynas Rare Earths Ltd and JS Link. With land acquisition complete and groundwork underway, both firms are transitioning rapidly from planning to execution.
Meanwhile, Anwar also met with executives from Namhae Chemical Corporation, South Korea’s largest fertiliser manufacturer, which has agreed to import RM500 million worth of Malaysian raw materials, including phosphate rock, potassium chloride and green ammonia.
“This project represents an important step toward Malaysia’s goal of becoming a regional leader in advanced manufacturing, clean technology and sustainable industrial growth,” said Anwar.
