SHAH ALAM: The decision on whether Australia's rare earth producer Lynas Corp Ltd (Lynas) will be allowed to continue its operations in Malaysia will be known on Aug 15.
Minister of Energy, Science, Technology , Environment and Climate Change (Mestecc) Yeo Bee Yin said the government would also decide whether radioactive material from the Lynas plant in the Gebeng industrial area should be shipped back to their country of origin or not.
"The Lynas operating licence is due to expire on Sept 2, and the company has applied to have it renewed on Aug 2.
"The conditions for licence renewal must be made one month before the expiry date.
"Whatever it is, we will wait for the cabinet’s decision," she said, when met by reporters after launching the Selangor National Science Week at the Selangor Public Library here today.
Yeo said she would hold a dialogue with Parliament federal lawmakers on the Lynas issue on Tuesday.
"Some MPs are protesting against the move to allow the Lynas plant to operate, as well as the radioactive wastes issue. So, we will talk with them," she said.
On objections voiced by the Malaysian non-governmental organisation group Save Malaysia Stop Lynas, Yeo said every citizen in the country had the right to voice his views.
"I think the government has taken note of public concern about environmental issues.
"What I can say is that the decision on the Lynas plant issue will be in the best interest of everyone," she said.
On May 31, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia would allow Lynas to continue operating in the country.
The announcement ended the uncertainty surrounding the future of the US$800 million (RM3.35 billion) plant after renewal of its operating licence was suspended.
Late last year, Mestecc imposed two conditions for the renewal of the Lynas Advance Materials Plant (LAMP) licence, including sending radioactive material out of the country.
LAMP also needs to ensure that the Water Leached Purification Residue (WLP) solid waste containing radioactive material is removed from Malaysia.
For non-radioactive scheduled Neutralization Underflow Residue (NUF) waste disposal, LAMP must submit an action plan for accumulated waste disposal before being considered for approval under Regulation 9 (6) and 9 (7) of the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) 2005.