Rules broken during Lynas protest, police say

Himpunan Hijau has vowed to keep up its protests against the rare earth refinery. — Reuters pic

KUANTAN, June 24 — The police are disappointed with the organisers of the anti-Lynas gathering here today, for not abiding to stipulated rules, which included the prohibition of children at the gathering.

Kuantan police chief ACP Mohd Jasmani Yusof said although there was no untoward incident, the police were disappointed as the gathering was held in an unsuitable place, with children as among the participants.

“The gathering caused traffic congestion along a five-kilometre road stretch.

“Moreover, the organisers also submitted an application to hold the gathering only two days ago, instead of the stipulated 10 days,” he told reporters after the peaceful gathering dispersed about noon.

The gathering saw about 800 participants, including several opposition leaders and social activists, at the main entrance to the industrial area about 11am to protest against the rare earth processing plant.

Among the leaders present were Pas deputy president Mohamad Sabu, Bersih 2.0 joint chairman Datuk A. Samad Said, and social activist Hishamuddin Rais, who delivered their speeches from the rear of a lorry. — Bernama