Pahang Pn Why Is State Govt In The Dark About Genting Toll

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The Pahang government and the minister in charge need to step forward and provide an explanation regarding the rumours of the construction of a toll plaza in Genting Highlands, after a picture of the alleged construction went viral yesterday.
Pahang PN chief Saifuddin Abdullah admitted to being surprised when the Pahang government claimed to have no information related to the construction of the toll plaza.
"I was actually surprised when I read a report saying that the Pahang state government didn’t know about the construction of the toll.
"I also knew about it from the news, so I hope that both parties - the Pahang state government and the minister in charge should explain.
"It would be very surprising if there is a toll booth built there and the Pahang government doesn’t know anything about it," he said at a press conference in Kuantan, Pahang, today.
Pictures showing the construction of the toll plaza near the Gohtong Jaya roundabout went viral on Facebook on Oct 17.
State excos oblivious
Yesterday, Pahang executive council member for Unity, Tourism and Culture, Leong Yu Man reportedly said the matter was never raised during the state government meeting.
"There is nothing official yet about this news report. We (the Pahang government) have never discussed the toll proposal.
"I’m gathering more details on the matter, let me get more information on it first," he said.
Another Pahang exco, Mohammad Fakhruddin Mohd Ariff also reportedly said he was unsure about the report.
The Pahang exco for Public Works, Transport and Health said that he was seeking confirmation on the matter.
However, a spokesperson for Lingkaran Cekap Sdn Bhd reportedly confirmed the news about the toll construction to Sin Chew Daily.
The company also informed that it will handle the toll.
"Drivers are only charged when they go up to Genting Highlands, not when they get off," said the spokesperson, adding that his company is unable to confirm when told charges would commence and its amount.
Lynas issue
In another development, Saifuddin said his party was getting accurate information following Lynas' announcement of a temporary closure of its Gebeng facility yesterday.
He said, at the moment, it was not clear whether Lynas would completely stop the operation of their factory in Gebeng, or only close temporarily.
"Closing completely or temporarily still involves the welfare of the workers. So, we are getting more information on that matter.
"This Lynas issue, for me, has been politicised for a while. I hope whatever decision is made now is not based on a political stance," said the former minister.
Yesterday, Lynas in its quarterly report stated the proposal to temporarily close all their operations in Malaysia, except for the processing of Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC).
"In Malaysia, there will be a planned shutdown of all operations, apart from MREC processing, in the December quarter starting from mid-November.
"The amount of MREC processing is expected to be minimal during this period," the report said.
During the shutdown, key personnel in Malaysia for fracturing and leaching operations will be deployed at the company's new facility in Kalgoorlie, Australia, to assist with the start-up process of the furnace heating cycle. - FMT

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