THE Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry wants to collaborate with the Australian government to ensure waste from Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Lynas) is sent to Australia, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Deputy Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said the collaboration involves finding ways to remove water leached purification (WLP) waste produced by the Lynas factory to be sent to Australia before September this year.

“Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister (Yeo Bee Yin) has written a letter to her Australian counterpart last February 26 to inform (them) about the collaboration to facilitate the removal of waste from Malaysia to Australia,” she added.

She was responding to a question by Wong Chen (PKR-Subang) on the government’s measures to ensure Lynas waste is sent to Australia.

Isnaraissah said two task forces have been set up to look into matters related to the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng.

She said one task force, set up on December 7, following cabinet approval, was identifying suitable international procedures and instruments involved in the process of removing the WLP residue.

It will take into account all legal, public and workers’ safety and the environment, she added.

Lynas is required to export stored WLP residue before September 2 as per of the pre-condition imposed by the Atomic Energy Licencing Board (AELB), for the renewal of its licence. – Bernama, April 1, 2019.