Malaysians protest against rare earths plant

Melissa Goh Channel NewsAsia 27 Feb 12;

KUALA LUMPUR: Protests over the controversial rare earths processing plant in Malaysia appear to be gaining momentum despite safety assurances from Prime Minister Najib Razak.

He says scientific evidence shows the Pahang plant is "harmless" to residents living in its vicinity.

Anti-Lynas protesters say they are disappointed with Mr Najib's statement, adding that "a clean environment needs a clean government".

They are planning to tie up with Bersih, the electoral reform group for joint protests.

Located in the Gebeng industrial zone, some 20 kilometres north of Pahang's state capital Kuantan, stands what would be the world's largest rare earths refinery.

The Lynas advanced materials processing plant is built over 100 hectares of land, at a whopping US$373 million.

And the Australian miner says the plant is 91 percent ready.

But over the weekend, thousands of Malaysians voiced their opposition against the plant.

And even though security was tightened ahead of Himpunan Hijau 2.0, it was the largest anti-Lynas gathering so far.

More than 10,000 people turned up, some even from far-off areas.

Foo How and his friends were among protesters who drove 260 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur to join the rally.

He says Malaysia has nothing to gain from Lynas.

"It's tax free, with 12 years tax free, we are not earning anything or charging environmental tax," he said.

Local residents urged the authorities not to gamble with their children's future.

"I have two kids, this thing is very dangerous for us, we must stop Lynas and save Malaysia."

"I don't think we need to take this sort of risk."

Others were more realistic - they want Lynas to commit to a long-term waste disposal plan.

"If they take back their waste, they comply with all environmental needs, they can operate here, BASF is here, Amoco is here, that's how they do it, they pick up their waste and do it properly."

There are some 30,000 people living within a three-kilometre radius of the plant, and despite safety assurances from the prime minister, many are not convinced.

"Don't talk about tourists, even our local people are also now planning to move out from the place. After 20 years, our children our great grandchildren, they said nothing is going to happen but we are not sure. There's no point getting angry, it's already done, even if we are angry what else can we do but protest?"

While some local residents are contemplating moving out of the state to avoid the risk of possible radiation, others are worried about tourist arrivals if the plant is allowed to fire up and begin operation.

The concern has even spread to Kuantan's renowned salted fish business.

Villagers worry that the rising fear of contamination and all the negative publicity surrounding Lynas may take a toll on their businesses.

- CNA/de