Yeo: Lynas licence renewal decision by Aug 15

SHAH ALAM (Bernama): The government will announce its decision on Lynas Malaysia's licence renewal status by Aug 15.

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin said this would be also when the government would announce whether the rare earth producer would have to repatriate its radioactive waste back to Australia.

"Lynas can only apply for a renewal of their (operating) licence 30 days before it expires, which is on Sept 2.

"The company made an application yesterday (Aug 2), so it is still being processed. We will make a decision by Aug 15 and announce it with the full details, ” she told reporters after launching the state-level National Science Week at the Selangor Library here on Saturday (Aug 3).

State Environment, Green Technology, Science and Consumer Affairs Committee Chairman Hee Loy Sian was also present.

On Tuesday (July 30), Yeo said that ministry officials would also be having a discussion with several Members of Parliament who have reservations on Lynas’ operations here.

Asked about the criticism of the company's operations from the anti-Lynas group, Save Malaysia Stop Lynas, and its plans to hold a protest on Aug 18, Yeo said citizens had a right to voice their views.

"I think the government has taken into account views from all relevant parties on matters regarding the environment and public safety.

"What I can say is that as far as I am concerned, the decision may not be an ideal one, but it's still much better than the status quo, ” she said.

Last May, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Lynas would be allowed to continue to operate in the country.

However, Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh said in response to the Prime Minister's statement that she was of the view that the radioactive waste must be sent home to Australia as a condition for it to continue operating here. – Bernama