Zafrul Supports Govt S Conditional Renewal Of Lynas Licence

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International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz has expressed support for the conditional renewal of Lynas Malaysia's operating licence amid claims that the decision could negatively impact investors' confidence in the country.
When met at the ministry headquarter in Kuala Lumpur, he said individuals who disagreed with the government’s decision were free to express their opinions.
"I stand by the government's decision, and as part of the government, we will continue to support industries that are beneficial to the country," he was quoted as saying by Malay Mail.
Zafrul's visit to the Lynas plant in Gebeng, Kuantan last Wednesday raised many eyebrows as his cabinet colleague Chang Lih Kang issued a strong statement against the rare earth processing facility.
The science, technology and innovation minister said that Lynas must relocate its cracking and leaching facility out of Malaysia before July otherwise, it could lose its licence to operate in the country.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih KangIn a statement following his visit, Zafrul said the government acknowledged the significance of Lynas' products, particularly in advanced technology areas like battery production for electric vehicles, motorcycles, and smartphones.
"My ministry and its agencies are ready to exchange opinions with companies involved in the rare earth industry like Lynas, to ensure business-friendly facilities can be created in line with the environment, social and governance goals," he added.
The government renewed the operating licence for Lynas’ Gebeng plant for three years, effective March 3, with the same conditions imposed by the Pakatan Harapan administration in 2020.
The key conditions include relocating the cracking and leaching facility out of Malaysia before this July, after which it will no longer be allowed to import lanthanide concentrate into the country.
The company decried the conditions and warned that hundreds of jobs will be lost as a direct result if it is forced to close its cracking and leaching facility.
On Feb 17, Chang tweeted that the Lynas plant can be retained - if the Australian firm ships out the waste from it. - Mkini

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