I'm not sure if this has been passed down to the citizens of Malaysia, amidst the Sarawak elections which was the main agenda.
For the past few weeks, the people of Kuantan stood up and raised their concern over the construction of a RARE earth production facility in Gebeng Industrial Estate, Kuantan (approx 30km from Kuantan town). About 2 years ago, the Pahang government approved the project by LYNAS Corp, Australia to construct the facility. Little did we know of its consequences. Little did we know that this facility will be creating a mass dump site of radioactive waste at the back of our homes.
Just some background on RARE earth materials (I'm no chemist, but these are some of what I've gathered) :-
1. RARE earth materials are rare....(duh!). And it can only be found on limited parts of the world (it I'm not mistaken, I've read somewhere that there are only 3 locations in the world).
2. It is used in the making of iPhone, bombs, hybrid cars etc...
3. Currently, China donimates (in fact, they are the only ones!) the production of the materials coz no other countries would want it at their backyards....and that includes Australia.
Malaysia's last RARE earth project in Bukit Merah, the Asian Rare Earth (ARE) plant was a warning to us (that was back in the 1980s). Nearly 20 years since it was shut downed, till todate the site is still being cleaned up at a cost of over RM300m and has been linked to at least 8 cases of leukemia, 7 resulting in death. Have we not learned from the past?
LYNAS is claiming that the thorium (the radioactive element found in virtually all rare earth deposits) produced now is really really low. So much lower than that of Bukit Merah. Hence, there will be a low risk of high radiation exposure. But there's a saying that goes "Sikit-sikit, lama- lama jadi bukit". If you're exposed, it means you're exposed. Little or not does not matter. And if you're exposed for a very long time, chances are you are facing a high level of radiation. What say you?
And therefore, I am 100% against it. For my future, for my family's future, for my generations to come. I wouldn't want a miniature "Hulk" as my baby, now would I? So please do support our cause, the people of Kuantan's cause. You can click here to join in our group through Facebook.
Adios amigos!!
