KUALA LUMPUR – Preliminary assessment of a new proposed site for the construction of rare earth processing plant Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s permanent disposal facility (PDF) in the Gebeng industrial area, Pahang, found it classified as a low-risk flood area.
Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the radiological impact assessment (RIA) report was received last September, and carried out due to concerns over the risk of floods in the area.
“A PDF has been identified in the Gebeng industrial area, and is currently in the process of evaluation before approval for construction is issued,” he said during an oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Wong Tack (Bentong-PH), who wanted to know if the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) still adheres to its stand that radioactive waste accumulated at a Lynas plant should be evacuated immediately when an area is prone to major floods.
Dr Adham said at present, the government is of the view that the transfer of accumulated radioactive waste can be expedited on the condition that the PDF construction is expedited.
However, he said, before approval can be given for construction of the PDF, two AELB requirements have to be met – the RIA and environmental impact assessment. – Bernama, October 28, 2021
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