Pahang says no application yet from Lynas on disposal facility site

PAHANG DUN | Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd has yet to submit a formal application on the specific location of the permanent disposal facility (PDF) for its water leach purification residue in the state.

Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said so far, the Pahang government has not discussed the PDF with Lynas – one of the conditions of the renewal of Lynas' licence for another six months, effective Sept 3. 

"If there is a discussion or application, the priority of the state government will be the people’s safety. That part we are very clear.

"..at the same time, this also involves the investment aspect, as Lynas has invested up to billions in the country. We will look into all aspects of this issue. We want to hear expert opinions. If experts say Lynas is safe, then we will focus (on that).

"If not the experts, who else do we want to listen to? We are not experts in this area. It is certain that the state government will not do anything that is harmful to the people," he told the Pahang Legislative Assembly today.

Wan Rosdy (photo) was replying to a supplementary question from Lee Chean Chung (Harapan-Semambu) who asked about a news report that five probable locations in Pahang had been identified for the PDF, namely Lepar, Luit, Padang Tengku, Bukit Ibam and Chini.

He also explained that Lynas was an investment brought in by the previous federal government through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida).

The statement was supported by state exco Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin, who said the federal government at the time proposed that Lynas operate in Pahang.

“So, now we wait for the federal government’s reply. If they say Lynas is safe, then it’s safe. The state government has no expertise like the federal government who has various technical experts,” he said.

Sharkar said these technical experts include the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and Malaysian Nuclear Agency who are more knowledgable in the field of Lynas' operations.

- Bernama