Fuziah, who is Kuantan MP, said this was because the rare earth company had repeatedly assured the community and its own employees that the company’s operations located in Gebeng, Kuantan were safe.

She said the government was concerned about the welfare of Lynas employees but that the bigger picture should be seen, especially concerning the safety of Kuantan residents.

“We have to look at the larger aspect, namely the welfare and safety of Kuantan’s overall population of 600,000 people.

“Many among them work in Gebeng and are exposed to air pollution in terms of dust and radiation coming from the factory. This is also important,” she told Bernama after appearing as a guest on an interview programme at Wisma Bernama here last night.

Lynas yesterday took out advertisements in several newspapers with testimonies from workers who expressed their confidence in its operations.

They also previously voiced fears about job security should the plant be shut down.

Earlier this week, Energy, Technology, Climate Change and Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin announced the setting up of an executive committee to evaluate the operations of the Lynas advance materials plant in Gebeng, Pahang, to ensure that Malaysia does not become a dumping ground for hazardous waste from other countries.

Yeo said the committee comprised individuals who had not openly stated their stand on the plant, whether they were in favour of it or not.

The committee has six weeks to complete its evaluation and submit its report and recommendations to the government.