714 National Day of Stop Lynas Action

Press statement of Save Malaysia Stop Lynas (SMSL)

714 National Day of Stop Lynas Action

July 6, 2012

On Saturday 14^th July, a variety of creative actions will be taken up by concerned citizens, civil society groups and political parties in various states to show their opposition to the Lynas rare earth project in Malaysia.

Mr Tan Bun Teet, the spokesperson for SMSL and a Kuantan resident said,

“Each and every one of us have toiled and worked hard to better our life and to provide for our family.  We are citizens of Malaysia – the rakyat - have been paying taxes to build our nation.  Yet we are now expected to live with a giant rare earth plant that pays no tax.”

“On top of that, Lynas will be leaving behind huge amount of radioactive waste and mountains of contaminated waste sludge.  Our air, our water and our food risk being contaminated by Lynas’ waste discharges.  Several industries may be affected with adverse economic consequences. This is not the deal we have worked for!” added Mr Tan

Ever since the outrage showed by the public over the approval granted by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) to Lynas in late January, a series or organised state-sanctioned deceptions, half-truths and even lies have been widely circulated to confuse the public in a last ditch desperate effort by the Government to try to justify a raw deal and a poor decision making process.  

“Words are cheap.  Pollution affects everyone.  We call on all Malaysians from all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds and all religious beliefs to come out in force to join us to Stop Lynas.  This is the best way to protect our family, our investment and our future.” Said Ram, a Kuantan resident.

Apart from not having found a safe permanent storage facility for the radioactive waste, Lynas has yet to provide any definite and clear plan on how it will manage the massive amount of contaminated sludge from the plant.  Lynas will discharge huge amounts of waste gas, waste water and solid waste once production starts.  The treatment methods proposed by Lynas will not entirely remove the chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive materials.

Encik Mohd Hassan Bin Samsudin, a young father from Kuantan and a regular volunteer of SMSL reminded people,

“Jangan sekali-sekali berfikir bahawa  masalah loji nadir bumi Lynas adalah isu Kuantan sahaja. Ia BUKAN. Ia adalah masalah negara.  Setiap rakyat yang mempunyai akal harus bertindak, dan menghentikannya sebelum ianya bermulai mencemarkan alam sekitar, makanan, air dan udara negara kita.”

Pollution knows no state boundaries.  Contaminated seafood from the east coast can be sold anywhere in Malaysia.  Polluted air can be spread by the wind far and wide, especially when the monsoon wind strikes.  The South China Sea is shared international water.  Any serious pollution will affect other states on the east coast of Malaysia and some of our ASEAN neighbours.

“Malaysia should strive to be the pride of ASEAN, not a dumping ground for run-away polluters from industrialised countries. The first step for us to reclaim our pride and our dignity is to stand together to FIGHT Lynas.

Let us make our votes count. Let us cast our vote wisely to show that we are decent human beings as good as those living in advanced countries. We want a future we can be proud of and stand tall to share with our family and friends.

Come and Join US to Stop Lynas and Save Malaysia NOW!”  Mr Tan, Ram and Hassan concluded with an appeal to the public.

Participating towns in the 714 nationwide CALL TO ACTION  anti-Lynas rally in Malaysia & Australia (*will continue to add on)

Malaysia:

Pahang :

1. Kuantan 012 9823302 (SMSL Hotline)

2. Temerloh 013 3761328

3. Jerantut 019 9796363  

4. Raub 012 928 1819

5. Sri Jaya 012 9848855

6. Triang 019 381 3368; 013 9849942; 016 9351963

Johor :

7. Segamat 019 718 2008

8. Pengerang 017 7662048

9. Batu  Pahat 012 3957443

10. Jementah 013 7286994

11. Tangkak 019 7182008

12. Kulai 019 7182008

13. Bekok 019 7182008

14. Yong Peng 019 7182008

15. Johor Bahru 019 7182008

16. Labis 019 7182008

17. Muar 019 7182008

18. Kluang 019 7182008

19. Simpang Renggam 019 7182008

 

Terengganu:

20.  Kuala Terengganu 012 9838826

Kelantan:

21. Kota Bharu 014 6050111

22. Penang : 019 4090900

Perak :

23. Ipoh 016 5423118

24. Kampar  016 9969900

25. Bkt. Merah 012 5609563; 016 5608500

Selangor

26. CherasMahkota 012 2119979

27. Rawang- 012 2281410

28. Melaka: 017 2762906

Negeri Sembilan :

29. Seremban 012 2536008; 012 3948061

30. Air Itam(NS) 019 5629299

31. Sabah: 017 8344600

Australia:

32. Perth 04 889 100 28

33. Sydney 04 889 100 28

34. Melbourne 04 889 100 28