KUALA LUMPUR – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim confirmed today that the government has provided Lynas Malaysia with a six-month extension to fulfil the conditions of its operating licence in the country.
“I think Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang will give a detailed explanation but our understanding is, the extension is contingent upon conditions and will be strictly observed,” the prime minister said in a brief statement.
A news outlet had reported on Lynas’ extension yesterday, which was based on an appeal submitted by the company over four conditions imposed by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board.
The appeal is a last-ditch effort to ensure that the rare-earth producer can continue operations in Gebeng, Kuantan after July 1.
The company had previously repeatedly defended itself, claiming that its operations were safe and stressing that the implementation of such licensing conditions would result in a loss of jobs in Malaysia. – Bernama, May 8, 2023