LYNAS Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Lynas) has yet to submit a formal application on the specific location of the water leached purification residue permanent disposal facility in Pahang.

Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said so far, the state government has not entered discussions with Lynas over the facility, because it was still waiting on a decision from Putrajaya over safety.

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

“At the same time, there is also the investment aspect because Lynas has invested billions in Malaysia.

“We will look into all aspects of this issue. We want to hear expert opinion. If they say Lynas is safe, then we will focus.

“If not the experts, who else do we want to listen to? We are not experts in this area.

“However, it is certain that the state government will not do anything that is harmful to the people,” he said during the Pahang Assembly sitting in Kuantan today in reply to a supplementary question from Lee Chean Chung (PH-Semambu), who was querying a news report that five probable locations had been identified: Lepar, Luit, Padang Tengku, Bukit Ibam and Chini.

Wan Rosdy also explained that Lynas was an investment brought in by the previous government through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA).

The statement was supported by state Tourism, Environment, Plantation and Biotechnology Committee chairman Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin.

“So, now we wait for the federal government’s reply. If they say Lynas is safe, then it’s safe,” he said, adding that Pahang did not have the safety expertise to make the call, instead relying on Putrajaya.

Mohd Sharkar said the technical experts include the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) and Malaysian Nuclear Agency, which are better trained in the field of Lynas operation and radiation. – Bernama, August 19, 2019.