DENYING that the site for its permanent disposal facility (PDF) in Bukit Ketam is in a water catchment area, Lynas Malaysia today said it will not hesitate to sue those who continue defaming the company.

The rare-earth processing plant operator, in a statement, said “anti-Lynas activists” have also falsely claimed that the PDF will affect Kuantan’s water supply.

“External experts have confirmed that the site in Bukit Ketam is not in a water catchment area.

“In addition, expert studies have shown that the PDF can be constructed to ensure there is no pathway for materials to reach the water supply.

“Lynas is deeply disappointed by the behaviour of anti-Lynas activists, who continue to make false statements and inflammatory accusations with the apparent intent of misleading the Malaysian people, such as those recently reported in the media.

“We will not hesitate to take legal action against those who persist in defaming our people and company.”

The PDF will handle water leach purification waste from Lynas’ Gebeng plant, and was one of the conditions imposed on the firm for the renewal of its operating permit last September.

Lynas said the Pahang government has consented to having the PDF at the Bukit Ketam site, subject to conditions relating to Putrajaya’s approval.

It said it has reported the state government’s nod to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Before construction begins on the PDF, the company said, further work will be undertaken in accordance with international guidelines and regulatory requirements. – February 6, 2020.