More time to view Lynas papers

Liow: Public can now go through them for up to three or four hours instead of an hour

KUANTAN: The one-hour time limit to review the application for a temporary operating licence for the Lynas rare earth processing plant has been lifted.

Lynas rare earth refinery watchdog committee chairman Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said complaints that the document viewing time was too short had been addressed after he brought up the matter to the Cabinet.

“The one-hour time restriction has been lifted. The public can now read the document for up to three or four hours.

“I was told that more copies have also been made available for viewing,” said Liow, who is also Health Minister.

The document dated Dec 30, 2011 is in its fourth revision and is currently on display at the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) headquarters in Dengkil, Selangor, and the Pahang State Secretariat from Mondays to Fridays until Jan 17.

It is also displayed at the AELB temporary office at the Lynas (M) Sdn Bhd project site in Gebeng and at the AELB east coast branch office in Kemaman, Terengganu from Sundays to Thursdays.

Meanwhile, Liow said the committee would submit its appeals to the Government after reviewing the Australian mining corporation’s temporary operating licence application.

“We need to obtain expert opinion first on Lynas’ radioactive waste management plan before proceeding.

“We will determine whether that is the way to treat the waste and also the safety features.

“We will appoint experts to give us their views,” he said after chairing the committee’s third meeting here yesterday.

He said the committee would submit their appeals before Jan 17 and it would be made public to ensure transparency.

The watchdog meeting was attended by Dewan Negara senator Datuk Ng Fook Heng, Kuantan MCA chief Datuk Ti Lian Ker, MCA state assemblymen Datuk Hoh Khai Mun, Datuk Pang Tsu Ming, Chang Hong Seong and Datuk Fong Koong Fuee as well as Chinese community leaders from various associations.