Press statement of Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL) - German Scientific Report On Lynas Critical of its Malaysian Project

 SMSL Continues with the court action to STOP Lynas

28th January 2013

Later today at 5pm Malaysian time, the Oeko Institute will issue its official press release on a scientific report it has just completed on the Lynas rare earth refinery project in Malaysia. This follows last Saturday’s launch of the report by SMSL in Kuala Lumpur. The Oeko report is critical of the Malaysian regulators for not doing their job properly when Lynas has not provided vital data to fully assess the range of risks and hazards; and the plant has serious design deficiencies that will lead to pollution of our air, water and the soil. A copy of the powerpoint presentation is attached for your reference.

Mr Tan Bun Teet a key spokesperson of SMSL commented, “Prime Minister Najib promised if we can prove scientifically that the Lynas project is an environmental and health hazard then the Government will stop Lynas from operating.”

“Now the Oeko Institute has provided just such an evidence, will the Prime Minister do the right thing before Lynas leave irreparable contaminations on our shore which will have serious long-term health, economic and social impacts?” asked Mr Tan.

In its press release embargoed till 5pm today, the Oeko scientists evaluate the detected deficiencies as very serious. It asserts the deficiencies should have been already detected in the licensing process, when the application documents were checked. However the operator received a construction license in 2008 and a temporary operating license in 2012.

Haji Ismail Abu Bakar warned “With the Oeko findings, we should have no further debate – Lynas’ temporary operating license has to be suspended. The fishing communities in Balok must be told the risks and hazards they will face. This will have serious economic and social impacts on them unless the Government do its job!”

The Oeko Institute is a leading European research and consultancy institute. Founded in 1977, the institute develops principles and strategies for realising the vision of sustainable development globally, nationally and locally. The institute provides consultancy for decision-makers in politics, industry and civil society. Its key clients are ministries and federal agencies, industrial enterprises and the European Union.

“If the Government fails in its duty of care again from now, we will have no mercy to intensify our planned nation-wide election campaign to vote the ruling parties OUT at the forthcoming election. The rakyat has no other choice!” remarked Ram Punusamy a dedicated Kuantan resident and Stop Lynas supporter.

Tomorrow, SMSL will return to the court for a judicial review hearing on the decision of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) on the issuance of the TOL. The case was filed on 18th December 2012. The Kuantan High Court extended the hearing date to 29 Jan 2013, to allow the respondent parties to present affidavits.

“We appeal to the people of Kuantan to come to the Kuantan High Court tomorrow 29 Jan Tuesday from 8.30am. We want the world to know that we will fight until the end to STOP Lynas for a better Malaysia.” Urge Mr Tan.

For further comments, please contact SMSL hotline 012 982 3302