Sunday, December 30, 2012

Gov't seals off anti-Lynas blockade containers



The authorities have sealed off Himpunan Hijau’s two containers used as their blockade command centre in Kuantan as the government’s 48-hour ultimatum for them to clear out lapsed today.

According to Rafar Ahmad, commander of the centre, the containers were sealed by the Kuantan Lands and Mines Department with red and white tape.

NONEThis was followed by a half-an-hour negotiation led by Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, Himpunan Hijau steering committee member Phua Kia Yaw and Rafar with an official claiming to be from the Pahang government.

“They just sealed (the containers) but didn’t move or dismantle them,” said Rafar when contacted by Malaysiakini, adding that they were then asked to leave the premises.
Himpunan Hijau had placed two 10 feet by 20 feet containers on a three-acre plot of land in Balok last week as its command centre for its anti-Lynas campaign.

The base is located beside one of the main roads leading into Gebeng industrial zone, which is the site of the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant - the controversial rare earth refinery which produces radioactive waste.

A notice ordering the group to dismantle the command centre within 48 hours was served on Dec 27 under Section 425 of the National Land Code 1965.
Double standards
According to Rafar, about 30 enforcement officers from the Lands and Mines Department, Kuantan Municipal Council and the police reached the command centre at 3.15pm today and they were confronted by over 200 Himpunan Hijau supporters.
He said that the supporters had moved about 30 cars to the main entrance of the command centre in order to stop the authorities from getting in.

NONE"But they came by using alternative routes," he added.

Rafar slammed the authorities for practicing double standards.

"Why do they always go after certain NGOs but welcome those which are seeking to undermine us?" he quizzed.

Despite the base having been sealed, he said that the group will stay put.

"We don't have any 'plan B'. We will remain here. Let's see what they are going to do," he added.

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