THE cabinet’s decision to extend Lynas Corp’s operating licence for its rare earths plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, was not unanimous, according to Malaysiakini.

The extension is also only for a “provisional period of six months”, the news portal reports, citing sources.

It said cabinet made the decision on Wednesday, with at least three ministers in favour of renewal, while those who had been against Lynas before Pakatan Harapan took over the government were still firm in their stand.

The six-month provisional renewal is a compromise, effectively deferring a final decision by putting it off for six months, a source told the news portal.

“After six months, they will evaluate the situation again,” the source was quoted as saying.

An official announcement on the provisional extension is to be made within two weeks, the portal added.

At issue is whether Lynas can ship out its waste from the plant as a condition to licence renewal, which is due on September 2.

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin had made this a pre-condition.

However, Putrajaya began to show signs of abandoning this prerequisite since a few months ago with statements that alluded to Lynas’ continued operations here.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Lynas would be allowed to continue operations if it could safely treat its waste here.

Lynas Malaysia in a statement today said it welcomed the prime minister’s comments and pledged to work with the government on building a permanent disposal facility. – August 3, 2019.