Lynas Malaysia licence renewal: “Where has DAP disappeared to?” wonders MCA Youth
By Bernie Yeo
5 hours ago
AN MCA Youth leader has expressed frustration over recent news reports that the operating licence of Lynas Malaysia has been renewed for a further 10 years and questioned DAP’s silence on the matter.
“Ironically, the party that was once the loudest in opposing Lynas now appears to be the most silent when this decision is made while they are part of the ruling government,” said its Pahang chapter’s youth chief Wong Siew Mun.
“In the past, they took to the streets, organised rallies, and portrayed Lynas as a major threat to the environment and public safety. Some even labelled it a ‘nuclear plant’, instilling fear among the public in order to garner political support.
“Today, when the licence is extended under their own administration, that voice has suddenly disappeared. Where are Lim Guan Eng, Nga Kor Ming and Yeo Bee Yin? Why is there no clear stand from the DAP leadership that was once so aggressive on the Lynas issue?”
In a statement on Monday (March 2), Lynas Rare Earths Ltd said the Malaysian Atomic Energy Department has confirmed that the company’s operating licence for Lynas Malaysia has been renewed for a further 10 years, effective March 3, 2026.
The company has since welcomed the extension and thanked the government.
On this matter, Wong said nearly a decade after the change of government, the reality remains unchanged—Lynas continues to operate and its licence has now been extended for another 10 years.
“The question is simple: Is DAP prepared to admit that the fear it once stoked was merely political rhetoric? And when will it apologise to Barisan Nasional and to the rakyat who were misled on the Lynas issue?” she asked.
Not a betrayal
Datuk Chang Lih Kang (Image: Bernama)
On March 2, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang was reported as saying that the Lynas licence extension does not amount to a betrayal of Pakatan Harapan’s past promises about Lynas’ operations in Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament building, he said the licence renewal comes with a strong stand of “no more new PDF (permanent disposal facility)” to be built in Malaysia in the future.
“This is not an act of betrayal. What we have consistently protested against is the continued accumulation of radioactive waste in Malaysia, and we have taken a firm position that there will be no PDF in the future,” Chang stressed.
“The production of WLP (Water Leach Purification) residue will be discontinued after the first five years, up to 2031, so any WLP produced before or during this five-year period must be mandatorily neutralised into waste that is no longer radioactive, or managed under a barium treatment programme.”
Chang further stressed that the licence under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304), which has been renewed from March 3, 2026 to March 2, 2036, is subject to stricter terms and a comprehensive review after the first five years. ‒ March 4, 2026
On March 2, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang was reported as saying that the Lynas licence extension does not amount to a betrayal of Pakatan Harapan’s past promises about Lynas’ operations in Malaysia.
Speaking at a press conference at the Parliament building, he said the licence renewal comes with a strong stand of “no more new PDF (permanent disposal facility)” to be built in Malaysia in the future.
“This is not an act of betrayal. What we have consistently protested against is the continued accumulation of radioactive waste in Malaysia, and we have taken a firm position that there will be no PDF in the future,” Chang stressed.
“The production of WLP (Water Leach Purification) residue will be discontinued after the first five years, up to 2031, so any WLP produced before or during this five-year period must be mandatorily neutralised into waste that is no longer radioactive, or managed under a barium treatment programme.”
Chang further stressed that the licence under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304), which has been renewed from March 3, 2026 to March 2, 2036, is subject to stricter terms and a comprehensive review after the first five years. ‒ March 4, 2026
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