IT has been my privilege to be a part of the Lynas team for the past nine years – a company with a high compliance work system which prioritises safety at all costs.

Closing the Lynas cracking and leaching (C&L) plant is an unfair decision as we have always strictly adhered to all rules, regulations and laws. Many of us will be put at risk financially from this closure. The surrounding chain companies will lose their business, reducing Gebeng’s economic contribution and tax income other than the operational tax for Malaysia.

I hope the government of the day will reassess their decision and look at the issue scientifically and based on facts and proof. Operations of the Lynas plant has been proven safe by international bodies and local select committees.

We, as Malaysians, should feel proud and honoured as our own people, the locals, are able to operate the only non-Chinese producer of separated rare earth materials in the world (outside China), which are used in many high-tech and future-facing applications.

I really hope the government can see Lynas as an ordinary company operating like any other company in Malaysia monitored by the Atomic Energy Department, and I think it is time to put a stop to using us as a political tool.

We are a Malaysian company operated mostly by Malaysians who have acquired the skills over the years. Work with us to build a better Malaysia. – March 14, 2023.

* Fairuz Kasmoin reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.