PARLIAMENT | The Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry has formed a task force to facilitate the transfer of “water leached purification” (WLP) waste from the Lynas rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan back to Australia.

Deputy Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said an official letter was also sent to Australian authorities on Feb 26 on the need for their cooperation in the matter.

"It was meant to inform them on the need for cooperation, besides speeding up Lynas’ request for approval from the Australian government to send the waste back.

"In addition, to ensure that the waste delivery process is safe, the government through the Atomic Energy Licensing Board will ensure that Lynas complies with all provisions of the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 and its related regulations.

“This as with any other requirements set by the relevant authorities," she said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Isnaraissah said this in response to a supplementary question from Hasbullah Osman (BN-Gerik) on the latest developments on the operations of the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (Lamp).

The deputy minister earlier revealed that amendments to the Atomic Energy Licensing Act were in the final stages of being drafted for submission to the Attorney-General’s Chambers before being tabled in Parliament.

The proposed amendments cover the enhancement of safety, security and regulatory controls of radioactive and nuclear waste management.

'Lynas' landfill EIA report submitted'

In a written reply to Wong Tack (Harapan-Bentong), the ministry said that Lynas had on March 5 submitted an environmental impact assesment report to the Environmental Affairs Department for its plans to convert its existing temporary waste disposal facility into an on-site secured landfill.

"In line with the department's procedures, the EIA report will be reviewed and a decision will be made within 12 weeks," it said.

The latest development follows the expiry of Lynas's temporary license to store its “neutralisation underflow residue” waste on Feb 15.

Lynas told told to send WLP waste back, stop giving excuses

Lynas told told to send WLP waste back, stop giving excuses

Lynas needs to stop producing new residue - Fuziah

Lynas needs to stop producing new residue - Fuziah

Fuziah lauds gov't's decision ordering Lynas to remove radioactive waste

Fuziah lauds gov't's decision ordering Lynas to remove radioactive waste

No need for Lynas to remove their wastes

No need for Lynas to remove their wastes