More than 400 activists opposing the Lynas Advance Material Plant (Lamp) braved this morning's rain to hold another protest against plant, which will process rare earth materials.

Anti Lynas protest The highlight of the event saw children and mothers kicking footballs, with the word ‘Lynas’ sprayed on it, through a black cloth depicting a toilet seat.

Protest organiser Tan Bun Teet explained that this was a symbolic attempt of the community’s disdain with Lynas, which is refusing to back down from proceeding with the rare earth refinery.

The three-hour event at Taman Gelora, Kuantan, themed ‘1211 - For our future generations’, was held smoothly, without any uniformed policemen present.

“Maybe they know that this is our last event of the year, and also maybe because of the weather factor,” said Tan, who added that more than 10 special branch officers were video documenting the event.

Anti Lynas protest Many supporters came with their own umbrellas, and the organisers supplied raincoats, said Tan.

Later, children were asked to break a huge ‘Lynas ball’ before burying it in the soil and planting a tree on top of it.

Tan said this was another symbolic move to show that the future generations deserve a greener and cleaner world.

The rare earth refinery is expected to start operations next year and the local people are wary about potential exposure to radioactive elements contained in the rare earth ore.

Opponents argue that the plant in Gebeng is too close to populated areas and can potentially pollute nearby fishing villages.

However, the federal government is insistent that the project is not harmful and that it will bring economic benefits to Pahang.