Malaysian opposition to Lynas, the Ugly Australian company overseas

“We are disappointed but not surprised by the very weak application presented by Lynas. Most worrying of all is that Lynas’ proposed waste management plan is full of holes and is totally unsafe. ”

Raw Earth Miners and Processors, Bad Developers, 2 Feb 12 Today marked the final day for public comments on Lynas’ application for the pre-operational licence for its Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) in Gebeng.
Together with concerned citizens including representatives from the Pahang Bar Council and the Malaysian Medical Association who converged at the Pahang Secretariat Office, SMSL and SLC delivered a joint
submission to MOSTI and the AELB urging the two authorities to reject Lynas’ application until a safer plan is produced.

Mr Tan Bun Teet, the Chairperson of SMSL lamented, “We are disappointed but not surprised by the very weak application presented by Lynas. Most worrying of all is that Lynas’ proposed waste management plan is full of holes and is totally unsafe. Under no circumstance should the Malaysian Government issues the licence.”

Lynas proposed to turn its waste into commercial gypsum and fertiliser
enhancer. If accepted, this plan will result in hazardous and
radioactive substances being scattered into residential houses,
offices, farms and plantations.

“The Government must enforce its own law to make sure Lynas carry out
a detailed environmental impact assessment. Given the high population
density, a social impact assessment should also be carried out before
considering any further application for licence by Lynas for the LAMP.
Both of these documents when done should be easily accessible to the
public with adequate time to comment and scrutinise.” Said Andansura
Rabu the spokesperson and chairperson of the Stop Lynas Coalition and
a resident of Balok, the town closest to the LAMP.

The towns and villages along the coast from Kuantan to Kemaman consist
mainly of traditional fishing communities. Hundreds of families rely
on the fishing industry for their livelihoods. Contaminated water from
the Lynas plant will be discharged into the Balok River which drains
into the South China Sea risking serious pollution of these important
fishing grounds and tourism hotspots.

Tourism is a growing industry along the east coast. The prestigious
world-class Club Med resort is only about 15km north of the LAMP. “If
the Government issues the licence without a proper detailed EIA and a
social impact study, the local economy and the health of citizens will
be severely affected. Besides, who will want to holiday near a massive
toxic plant and swim in the sea contaminated with rare earth
pollution?” Added Mr Tan.

SMSL and SLC reiterated their stance to the Government that both
groups will do everything possible to ensure there is a safe and clean
future for Malaysia.

SMSL and SLC have raise funds from the public to explore legal avenues
so that legal actions can be taken if Lynas is allowed to operate
despite its unsafe waste management strategy.

“We hope the Government will seriously consider the comments and
suggestions presented through the submissions. Otherwise, we will have
no choice but to take the matter to the court.”

Concluded Mr Tan and Mr Rabu.

Thank You Very Much. “Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas !”
http://baddevelopers.nfshost.com/Docs/L.htm