Perak advocates for closure of Lynas plant in Pahang in light of Bukit Merah rare earths disaster

Perak Anti-Lynas Association Calls for Immediate Closure of Lynas Rare Earth Refinery

A group known as the Perak Anti-Lynas Association is ramping up its efforts to shut down the Lynas rare earths refinery in Gebeng, Pahang, as they fear a repeat of the tragic events that occurred in Bukit Merah in the 1980s. The association’s vice-chairman, Hon Eng Kee, expressed concerns about the health and safety of residents living near the refinery and urged the government to take decisive action.

The group criticized the government’s decision to renew Lynas’ operating license for another three years, despite the company’s failure to establish a proper permanent disposal facility for its radioactive waste. Hon pointed out that Lynas had been delaying the construction of the disposal facility for a decade, leading to the accumulation of toxic waste in the area.

Residents in Bukit Merah suffered from cancer and birth defects due to radioactive pollution linked to rare earth mining activities in the area. The association fears that a similar tragedy could occur in Pahang if Lynas is allowed to continue its operations unchecked.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang recently announced the renewal of Lynas’ operating license but stated that the company must meet certain conditions by July this year. The Perak Anti-Lynas Association is calling for the government to take swift action and close down the refinery before it’s too late.