Decision on Lynas TOL in two weeks

KUALA LUMPUR - Science Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Sen Maximus Ongkili will make a decision on the appeal to revoke Lynas Corp’s temporary operating licence (TOL) in two weeks.

"I have to make the decision as soon as possible, within two weeks.

"I’ve received some submissions from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), and I am now waiting for some responses from other specialists in the field.

"We will be looking at the issues of safety and impact on health," Ongkili said after launching the National Bioethics Council yesterday.

Last month, three individuals appealed against the AELB’s decision to award Lynas Corp a TOL for the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

The three individuals who made the appeal are residents Ismail Abu Bakar, Tan Ah Meng and Abujavalli V Raman who claimed to be affected by the decision to allow the rare-earth processing plant to operate.

The ministerial appeal, made under Section 32 of the Atomic Energy Licensing Act, gives the science minister the authority to consult relevant authorities and experts on the matter.

"Under the law, I am able to ask any other specialists in the field to provide their expert advice, which is what I have done," Ongkili said.

Date: Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Resource: The Sun, Page: 4