16/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 16, 2026

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Experts raise concerns over Lynas contamination risks

Residents react to rare earth plant licence renewal PETALING JAYA: The government’s decision to renew Lynas Malaysia’s licence for another 10 years has sparked renewed concerns among Kuantan residents over potential radiation risks, even as authorities insist the plant could operate safely. Former science lecturer Nik Ruzni Nik Idris, 63, said she was taken aback by the move. “Of course I don’t like it, because it’s not good. “It’s quite dangerous. We worry about leaks or something like that,” said Ruzni, who has lived in Indera Mahkota for more than 20 years. “Even though I live about 10km from the factory, I feel for those who live nearby because it’s very risky for them. So hopefully the authorities reconsider the decision.” She added that the refinery had long been controversial, particularly during protests in the past. “Even if we don’t live near it, many residents in Kuantan opposed it back then. “I don’t think anyone in my neighbourhood supports it, except perhaps those working at the factory because it provides jobs.” Self-employed resident Mohd Saiful Mohamed Yusof, 44, believes the plant could operate safely if properly monitored. “I believe the authorities have the capability to oversee the plant through agencies such as the Environment Department and the Atomic Energy Licensing Board.” “Monitoring must be transparent and continuous, and should involve independent experts so that public confidence is strengthened.” He said much of the debate around the refinery had been shaped by political narratives. “The controversy back then was fuelled by opposition parties to stir public anger against the government. “Now that the same political side is in power and has extended the licence for 10 more years, (the public) could see that the refinery also brings economic benefits such as investment and job opportunities.” Mohd Iqram Md Nor, 27, who grew up in Kuantan but now works in Kuala Lumpur, said he did not closely follow the 2012 protests. “I didn’t really follow the issue at the time. But from what I hear from my parents and friends who still live in Kuantan, I haven’t heard of any major problems recently.” However, he emphasised that the issue should be viewed from multiple perspectives. “The government must have done its research before renewing the licence, so the important thing now is to ensure operations are monitored properly.” theSun reached out to the Atomic Energy Department, which regulates the industry under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, for comment on the licence renewal but received no response by press time. – By Faiz Ruzman

refining itself does not produce radioactive elements. “The feedstock used at the Kuantan plant comes from lanthanide concentrate mined at Mount Weld in Australia. “This naturally contains small amounts of thorium and uranium, along with rare earth elements. “Rare earth processing does not create radioactive elements. Instead, it concentrates naturally occurring thorium and uranium into specific waste streams such as Water Leach Purification (WLP).” Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Office (Biosafety and Radiation) deputy director Dr Nor Ezzaty Ahmad told theSun radioactive traces in rare earth waste come from naturally occurring materials in the ore. “When the rare earth elements are extracted, the radioactive elements stay behind in the waste known as WLP. “Since the overall waste mass is smaller after processing, the radioactivity in the remaining residue becomes higher. “This is common in mineral processing industries that work with

naturally radioactive materials.” She added that Malaysia has set a limit for the radioactivity in Lynas’s waste, requiring it to be reduced by 2031 to a level considered very low and safe for the public and the environment, in line with international safety guidelines. “Materials below this level are generally considered to pose minimal risk and are similar to natural background radiation. “The goal is to make sure radiation exposure to the public stays low over the long term.” On March 2, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang announced that Lynas Malaysia received a 10-year licence renewal from March 3 this year until March 2, 2036. The renewal includes stricter conditions, including a requirement that WLP waste production must stop by 2031, with existing waste treated to meet safety limits. theSun reached out to the Atomic Energy Department, which regulates the industry under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, and to Lynas Malaysia for comment on the licence renewal, but neither had responded by press time.

o ‘Without proper waste management, environmental factors could carry radioactive elements into ecosystems’

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

high, rainwater could seep into waste storage areas. If some compounds dissolve, radioactive elements such as uranium may slowly move through soil into underground water. “If the elements enter groundwater, they could reach nearby wells, rivers, wetlands and coastal areas. “Radioactive elements could also build up in soil, plants and animals before eventually entering the human food chain,” they told theSun in a joint response. The duo said environmental monitoring is essential for industrial processing facilities. They added that soil and sediment checks, groundwater and river testing, dust monitoring and radiation measurements are typically used to track such risks. However, Ismacahyadi and Noorfaizah also said rare earth

PETALING JAYA: Scientists have raised concerns over the potential movement of radioactive traces from Lynas Malaysia’s rare earth plant in Gebeng, saying the country’s heavy tropical rainfall and underground water flows could carry contamination into soil, rivers, wetlands and even the food chain – just weeks after the company’s licence was renewed for another 10 years. Universiti Teknologi Mara geoforensics specialists Assoc Prof Dr Ismacahyadi Bagus Mohamed Jais and Dr Noorfaizah Hamzah said environmental conditions could determine how radioactive elements move through ecosystems if waste is not properly managed. “In Malaysia’s tropical environment in which rainfall is

Anwar (fourth from left) officiating at the event alongside Hajiji (third from left) and Armizan (fifth from left) at Suria Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. – BERNAMAPIC

Anwar announces additional public holiday tied to Aidilfitri KOTA KINABALU: The government has agreed to provide an additional day off in conjunction with this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration to appreciate the efforts and holiday was aimed at making it easier for the public to plan their trips.

It encompasses seven days before and after the festival to stabilise essential goods prices. “The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has identified controlled items by location: 24 in the peninsula, 23 in Sabah and Sarawak, and 22 in Labuan.” He acknowledged that red chilli prices rose slightly due to flood-hit supplies from Thailand and suggested consumers consider dried chillies while the ministry finalises the list. – Bernama

the government would set Monday (March 23) as the additional holiday. “On the other hand, if Hari Raya falls on Saturday (March 21), then the additional holiday will be on Friday (March 20),“ he said when officiating at the National Consumer Day 2026 event yesterday. Also present were Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. Anwar said the government’s decision to announce the additional

“We are giving the Aidilfitri holiday because we see that everyone has worked hard during Ramadan to celebrate this Aidilfitri with joy and happiness with their beloved families.“ The prime minister also announced the Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026 Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme, effective for 15 days from March 14.

dedication of the individuals who worked hard throughout the month of Ramadan, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. However, he said the date of the additional holiday is subject to the date of the declaration of Syawal 1. Anwar added that if Hari Raya Aidilfitri falls on Friday (March 20),