Himpunan Hijau has crossed the halfway mark in their bid to collect 1 million signatures against Lynas' rare earth refinery in Gebeng, Pahang.

The group's leader Wong Tack, who are camping out at Dataran Merdeka since yesterday to raise awareness for their cause, said he and his team were working hard, rain or shine, to achieve their target.

When Malaysiakini visited Wong this afternoon, he and his team were seen collecting signatures, despite the drizzle.

"Until we reach one million signatures, we are not going anywhere. So if you still see me here the next time you come, you'll know I'm not done yet," quipped Wong.

Once they have achieved their objectives, Himpunan Hijau will submit the petition to the Agong, Parliament and the Australian government, among others.

Guan Eng: Gov't can take action

Meanwhile, DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang and secretary-general Lim Guan Eng visited Himpunan Hijau’s campsite to show moral support.

Guan Eng told reporters that the government could shut down the plant with a stroke of the pen without spending a single sen because the plant had breach licence conditions.

“Under the temporary operating license, they are supposed to only operate if they can take out the waste to another country, but they have failed to comply with the conditions of the license.

“So they should be able to comply with the conditions without spending a single sen. There are no losses involved,” said Guan Eng, who is also the chief minister of Penang.

He said that the public is now asking why the government is currently not compelling the company to export its waste.