Govt Told To Educate Rakyat On Nuclear Learn From Lynas Fearmongering

---

 


PARLIAMENT | A former environment and water minister today urged Putrajaya to educate the public on nuclear power and radioactive waste as Malaysia moves towards better and safer technologies.
According to Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian), the public needs to get their information from real experts so they would not be misled into rejecting new technologies, like what happened with Lynas.
The PAS deputy president cited previous widespread protests against Lynas’ rare earth processing plant in Kuantan, which he said was a result of fearmongering and inaccurate information being spread by the media.
“I agree with the views shared just now, including what Kuala Terengganu (Ahmad Amzad Hashim) and Machang (Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal) had raised on how we can educate our people to understand the implications of radioactive wastes.
“One example is the Lynas issue... many of the MPs here today had been among those who had previously protested against Lynas, to the extent that it caused Lynas to face so much trouble to renew its license.
“All kinds of protests and demonstrations were held. Kuantan residents got scared of Lynas. But today, we have to admit that the information that was spread back then was incorrect and not accurate.
“So, today I believe there should be an education mechanism where those with expertise in this field should come forward to assure the rakyat, instead of letting them (consume) information that is spread by non-expert media,” Tuan Ibrahim (above) said.
He was debating the Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025 that was tabled by Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang in the Dewan Rakyat.
According to the minister, the amendment proposal was to prepare Malaysia should it decide to opt for nuclear energy after 2030.
Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih KangTuan Ibrahim, who expressed support for the Bill, also stressed the importance of Malaysia keeping up with global technological advancement.
“We have to realise that the world keeps moving forward, where technology is developing, and thus we have many things to review.
“Because our delay in looking into this aspect would cause the country to be left behind as others start shifting towards more effective and safe technologies.”
Education from a young age
Similarly, Amzad also raised the issue of Lynas when debating the Bill.
He said the government has to ramp up its communication with the public so they can have a better understanding of issues.
“I found that... for example, the (protests against) Lynas were caused by a lack of understanding among the rakyat.
“Despite having been provided with clear facts, the rakyat still have a certain mindset when it comes to nuclear.
“This is why I think the process requires education and understanding, which should start from a young age. By doing this, we can prepare our people to be ready for modernisation and high technology in the future,” Amzad said. - Mkini

---