Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob
BENTONG: The construction of a chemical processing plant at the Gebeng industrial area by Australia’s Lynas Corporation Ltd has been deemed safe and harmless.
In giving this assurance, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said the state government had given its approval to the proposed construction of the plant, following explanation and views from the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board (LPTA) on the radioactive and radiation safety level.
“The proposed construction of the plant has been purposely politicised by certain quarters masterminded by Opposition parties,” he told reporters here yesterday.
Earlier, Adnan and state executive councillors were briefed for the second time by LPTA atomic energy experts led by its director-general, Raja Datuk Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan.
Adnan said the Australian company had undergone a series of strict screening processes involving LPTA technical committee and several nuclear energy-related authorities before it was given the approval.
“We hope the residents, especially those in Kuantan, will not panic or worry when the factory begins operations in September, as it would not produce radiation since the liquid wastes used in processing the chemical will be recycled,” he said.
Yesterday, about 100 people gathered in front of the Parliament House entrance in Kuala Lumpur, in protest over the construction of the RM700 million plant which they feared would cause radiation and harm to local residents.
Adnan said the state government would organise briefings for the people and non-governmental organisations in Kuantan to explain the safety, health and environmental issues related to the construction of the plant. — Bernama
“The people seem threatened by the construction of the plant…the Opposition parties are sensationalising the issue, following radiation leaks at the Fukushima Nuclear Energy Station in Japan, which was triggered by the recent earthquake and tsunami,” he said. — Bernama