KUANTAN, May 10 (Bernama) -- The Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on
Lynas has maintained that the company''s rare earth processing plant is the
safest in the world, contrary to claims by certain quarters that it will be
dangerous to residents when in operation.
Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said a visit conducted
by a PSC delegation to the plant in Gebeng, here, found that it was safe like
any chemical plant and had also acquired the most sophisticated technology.
"Several experts have confirmed that this plant is safe and has
state-of-the-art facilities, hence helping Malaysia move into the 21st century
and gain knowledge in advanced technology, search and development, and human
capital development," he said after the visit.
Khaled, who led the six-member delegation for the visit, was wholly
satisfied with the three-hour explanation given by Lynas.
"We would also like to stress here that Lynas is a company that can be
trusted as they willingly gave us all the facts and explanation that we wanted.
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KHALED-LYNAS 2 (LAST) KUANTAN
"In fact, the claim that Lynas is built in a settlement area is not true as
it is located about six kilometres from the nearest settlement," he said.
Khaled also reiterated that the argument why Lynas was built in Kuantan and
not China, was based on economic considerations and it was not the case of the
plant not adhering to the conditions set by the Malaysian authorities.
"The Lynas management has taken into account the highest safety aspects
determined by the Malaysian government, including environmental impact
assessment and radiological impact assessment before being allowed to operate.
"Therefore, the public should not be unduly worried about the safety aspects
of the plant.
"I have also been told that Lynas would open its doors to any quarters
wishing to visit the plant or to ask questions on its operations. But those
coming to visit should not set unreasonable conditions," said Khaled, who is
also Higher Education Minister.
The other PSC members who also visited the Lynas plant today included
members of parliament Zulkifli Noordin (Kulim-Bandar Baharu) and Datuk Abd
Rahman Dahalan. Also present was Lynas chief executive officer Datuk Marshal
Ahmad.
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