Scientific Evidence Shows Gebeng Rare Earth Plant Harmless To People - PM Najib

SEKINCHAN (Selangor) (Malaysia), Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Scientific evidence shows that a rare earth processing plant approved for Pahang is harmless to the people living in the vicinity of the project site in Gebeng, Prime Minister of Malaysia Najib Tun Razak said Sunday. He said this was established after the project of Lynas Corporation was subjected to a review by the government following complaints from the public and NGOs. The government had also taken into account the psychological concern of the people that the project will have an adverse effect on them, he said. "Most importantly, in terms of facts and scientific evidence, the Lynas project will not be detrimental to the local community," he told reporters after attending a lunch with the people of Sekinchan at SRJK (C) Yoke Kuan, here, as part of his one-day visit to Selangor. Najib said the government has also imposed strict conditions for the plant operator to adhere to, including specifying that the effluent from the factory should be disposed of far away from residential areas. "We would not have issued an operating licence unless we are satisfied that the local community can accept the project as safe," he said. Asked about the protest held Sunday in Kuantan against the project, the prime minister said the opposition political parties are using the issue to attack the government in their attempt to garner the people's support. "But what they are doing is not finding a solution. We want to find a solution acceptable to the people while it does not undermine our investment, provided the investment does not bring harm to the local community," he said. Kuantan is Pahang's capital. Pahang is located at the east coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. -- BERNAMA