Anti-Lynas group Himpunan Hijau has taken Japan to task, demanding that its companies discontinue financial support to the Australian rare earths mining company.

Its chairperson Wong Tack claimed that it has allowed three companies to support Lynas with loans totalling US$325 million.

In exchange, he said, Lynas would provide 30 percent of Japan's rare earths needs for the next 10 years.

"We would like to remind the Japanese government of the indisputable fact of its toxic legacy in Malaysia," he told a press conference today.

He revealed that the three companies comprise two private firms and a government-linked entity.

NONEWong (right) pointed out that a Japanese company had been linked to deformities in babies and premature deaths in the villages surrounding Bukit Merah in Perak.

"We demand that you (Japan) atone for your past by withdrawing your support to these corporations which will otherwise become the continuation of your policy of harm on millions of Malaysians," he said.

Wong added the group will go to the Japanese embassy at 2pm on Saturday to voice its objections.

He claimed that the ambassador has not responded to phone calls and letters seeking a meeting.

Asked if the group could end up returning empty-handed, Wong said he would take along the one million signatures collected in September to show the ambassador.

"It is our hope that the ambassador will demonstrate his diplomatic wisdom and have an open and honest dialogue with concerned citizens of Malaysia, over the non-compliant operation of the Lynas plant," he added.

Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd vice-president and managing director Mashal Ahmad could not be reached for immediate comment.