The government through the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) refers to the article entitled ‘Lynas TOL public feedback dession a joke' that appeared on 6 January 2012 on the MalaysiaKini website.

The documents related to an application for a Temporary Operating License (TOL) for a lanthanide production plant in Gebeng, Pahang that are now put on public display are copyrighted documents that legally belong to Lynas (M) Sdn Bhd.

The current Atomic Energy Licensing Act (Act 304) does not provide the legal compulsion for public consultation or display in such situation.

Nonetheless, the current public display of the documents is in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Expert Panel recommendations and also, as instructed by the government.

This display is to provide a fair opportunity for local residents who might be affected to provide their views, concerns and feedback on the said issue.

Thus, the choice of locations nearby reflects this objective. Further, the display at AELB Headquarters in Dengkil is an added effort by the Government for others who may also wish to view and provide comments.

This was in fact the location of choice for the Kuantan MP, YB Fuziah Salleh.

She was given somewhat unfettered access to the documents for two days to date and if necessary, more.

AELB has reiterated that the one hour slot is to give everyone a fair chance to view the documents. If there is no one in queue, the viewer will be allowed more time.

This time duration is a yardstick rather than a rule to maximise public participation in a just manner.

Over the past week AELB had since provided extra copies to the various sites.

AELB had also extended the viewing time, in particular, at the Pahang State Secretariat at the request of the public to include Saturdays and Sundays.

AELB has also advised the public to go to other nearby locations where there are no queues. AELB takes this opportunity to thank all parties involved on your understanding, participation and constructive comments - be it in the process or in the subject matter.

Should there be an interest to purchase the documents, the public is advised to make enquiries to Lynas (M) Sdn Bhd, the owners of the documents.

Monalija Bt. Kostor is principal assistant director in the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).