KUALA LUMPUR – The proposed construction site of Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd’s rare earth permanent disposal facility (PDF) will remain in the Gebeng Industrial Area, Kuantan, and is currently awaiting approval, said Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said the radiological impact assessment (RIA) had been submitted, while the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the area would be handed over to the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) tomorrow.
“The construction of the PDF site in Bukit Ketam, Kuantan, is completed. No more PDF construction there. It has been relocated and proposed to be at the Gebeng Industrial Estate, near the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP).
“In the PDF construction, RIA and EIA requirements must be met. The RIA has already been submitted and the EIA will be handed over tomorrow,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat here today.
Dr Adham said this in reply to a supplementary question from Steven Choong Shiau Yoon (Tebrau-Independent), who asked whether the PDF construction site will remain in the Gebeng Industrial Area or moved a new site, and what steps have been taken to ensure the safety of residents in the surrounding area – should it be built there.
When asked by Nor Azrina Surip (Merbok-PH) on whether the government will still approve the proposed construction as the area has not been gazetted a toxic waste disposal site, Dr Adham said its construction complies with local and international standards, and is guaranteed to be safe.
“The area that had been gazetted for LAMP actually has temporary residue of radioactive materials and it needs to be transferred to the PDF. To be honest, the area has been elevated and is found to be safe following a 20m-radius RIA.
“We have set three principles – safety, safeguard, and security – and these must be complied with, before we allow (the PDF construction),” he said.
When replying to a question by Wong Tack (Bentong-PH) on responsibility for the PDF in the event of destruction due to natural disasters, Dr Adham said it will depend on the final safety analysis report – to be conducted by a consultant – which will be evaluated and approved by AELB before the PDF facility is completed.
“Lynas is fully responsible for the construction of the PDF. Towards this end, Gading Senggara Sdn Bhd has been appointed as the contractor for the disposal of water leach purification residue produced by the PDF.
“Gading Senggara must be licensed by AELB, and any liability that arises involving the PDF – in the event that Lynas ceases its operations – will be fully borne by the licensee,” he added. – Bernama, December 7, 2021
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