Lynas operation safe, generates lowlevel radiation — Mustapa
KUANTAN: The operation of Lynas project by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Gebeng here is safe and does not bring negative implication to the environment.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said he was informed the matter during a briefing on the company’s current status of operations. He said the company had been in operation since three years ago.
“The company operation is monitored round the clock and shows it is safe with no increase in radiation reading within one to 20 kilometres from the Lynas plant. If the allegation on radiation is true, the industrial area in Gebeng will not grow or be the choice of multi- national companies,” he said.
Mustapa was speaking to reporters at BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn Bhd here yesterday during his working visit to Kuantan to meet with Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, corporate leaders, industry players, political leaders and the public. He said the Lynas project involved investments of RM2.8 billion.
Currently, Lynas is conducting field research on soil conditioner generated from water leach purification residue which is scheduled to be completed in July next year, he said.
“I have suggested to the company’s top management to hold public forum to counter claims of people getting cancer, drop in price of property ( because of the project) is not true,” he added.
Generally, Mustapa said he was happy with the progress and development in Kuantan, as well as the state government’s performance in attracting investments in various industries. “This creates more jobs, maximizing the use of Kuantan Port and gives a spillover economic effect for local residents,” he added.
During the visit, which began yesterday, Mustapa also visited the Malaysia- China Kuantan Industrial Park development, which will begin operation, with a steel plant by Alliance Steel Sdn Bhd for a start, in the fourth quarter of 2017. The project is expected to create 3,515 job opportunities.
He also visited the RM4.1 billion Kuantan Marine Port Terminal, a joint-venture project between the state government and Kuantan Port Consortium Sdn Bhd, and the Bumiputera- owned oil and gas equipment production company.
The plant, owned by Asturi Metal Builders ( M) Sdn Bhd and BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn Bhd, is the first highly reactive polyisobutene factory in Southeast Asia. — Bernama