The construction of a rare earth plant in Gebeng here was approved as the project is not harmful to the people or the surrounding environment, said Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob.

He said the authorities and relevant agencies would not have approved the Lynas Corporation Ltd project if it threatened public safety and health.

NONE Adnan ( left in photo ) said he had studied documents and reports on the construction of the plant before approving it after considering the people's fears on its environmental effects.

"The plant is not harmful as it is built only for processing purposes. The government will not endanger the people's life.

"I will not let people die because they are the ones who gave us the mandate.

"Lynas is not an issue but it is being played up by the opposition, particularly Parti Keadilan Rakyat and the DAP, and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh," he told reporters after attending the Nestle World Walking Day at Taman Gelora in Kuantan today.

On claims that some residents in Gebeng planned to sell their houses due to the construction of the factory, Adnan said the state government was ready to buy them as there were still many people who needed homes.

Recently, Lynas Malaysia managing director Mashal Ahmad said the public was misled by certain quarters masquerading as experts on the environmental impact of the project.

He said the company was prepared to hold dialogues to allay fears of the people on the plant's safety.

- Bernama