KUALA LUMPUR – Pro-Lynas Malaysia supporters gathered in Balok, near Kuantan, Pahang today to demonstrate their support for the Australian rare-earths miner’s operations in Malaysia.
The group of around 200 people – mostly residents from villages near the Lynas plant in Gebeng as well as its workers – said Putrajaya’s conditional renewal of the company’s licence was “unfair” and “not based on facts”.
They held up banners, including one that read: “Lynas has been operating for 12 years. Villagers, the environment, and our animals are all safe. Why slander Lynas as being dangerous?”
Another questioned: “How long will lies be spread about Lynas?”
Speaking for the group, a Balok resident known as Datuk Shah, said Lynas’ critics did not know of the development benefits the company had brought to the surrounding areas.
“About 30 years ago, Balok was just a fishing village, but we now have a few supermarkets, gas station outlets, and fast food branches.
“These are all amenities that came about after factories like Lynas began operating here. Their prosperity spilled over to local villagers,” he said in videos of his speech to the rally’s participants, who could be heard applauding his remarks.
The elderly resident also said Lynas’ critics were “insincere” as they had not bothered to reach out to those living around the vicinity of the firm’s plant for their thoughts on criticism of its operations and alleged hazards.
“Those who are so against Lynas are not from Balok. They wear their green shirts but don’t even know a single person from our village.
“They claim that (radioactive waste produced in) Lynas causes cancer and mutation in unborn babies, but can they tell us how many people have been diagnosed with cancer since Lynas began operations here about 12 years ago?
“Show us proof that cancer rates have gone up and instances of babies being born with birth defects have gone up. If you can’t do it, then just shut up,” he said to loud cheers from those gathered.
Similarly, Kg Chengal Lempong community leader Haslinda Harun said Lynas had been “generous” to villagers, even conducting welfare activities that have been well-received by locals.
“They (Lynas) are always handing out assistance to families here in the form of basic food necessities, basic home repair materials, and children-specific goods,” she said.
Lynas acting supervisor Mohd Badrul Hisham Zulkifli lamented that the efforts of workers involved in the cracking and leaching department will have been for naught if the government insists on disallowing the activity.
“It is not fair for me to just get rid of our local experts (in the field). I will get a bit emotional if I say anymore because I will think about how much I have sacrificed (for Lynas).
“I was willing to leave my wife and children in our hometown (while undergoing training at the Lynas headquarters in Australia). My mother was even hospitalised several times while I was overseas,” he said.
During Dewan Rakyat proceedings earlier today, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang confirmed that his ministry has received an appeal letter from Lynas to drop the conditions on its operating licence in Malaysia.
He also said that the appeal is currently being considered.
Last week, Chang announced that Lynas will have to adhere to strict conditions imposed to ensure safe operations after the government granted a three-year extension for the company to operate in Gebeng.
The government did not grant Lynas’ request to drop conditions related to “cracking and leaching” activity, waste generation of Water Leach Purification, and the import of lantanide concentrates from Australia.
“In other words, Lynas will not be allowed to carry out activities that will produce radioactive waste in Malaysia after July 2023,” Chang said.
Lynas has claimed that it was being “targeted” by Putrajaya over radioactive waste concerns despite the company being regulated by a government agency, the Atomic Energy Licensing Board. – The Vibes, February 23, 2023
