Rare earth mining: Perak MB tells opposition stop confusing public

 

The Perak government has asked the opposition to stop confusing the public over the mining of non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) lanthanide in Gerik, which is claimed to be radioactive.

Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad said the opposition had sufficient information regarding the matter.

“They (the opposition) must not pretend to forget because the NR-REE mining began during Pakatan Harapan’s time, then under Perikatan Nasional (PN), and I am just continuing it.

“Enough of trying to play politics to gain support, stop this drama of inciting and scaring the people about this, although I expected them to do this.

“My advice is enough. They claim they did not get the information and that the issue was not discussed with the opposition’s elected representatives… this means they must have been sleeping during the state assembly sitting,” he said.

Saarani (above) said this met after officiating the closing of the Perak Sejahtera Oratory competition for the Perak Menteri Besar Cup, near Ipoh, today.

Yesterday, Pasir Pinji state assemblyperson Howard Lee Chuan How, expressed concern that the lanthanide mining project would have radioactive effects.

Speaking during the “Reject BN-PN Tour” in Kampung Manjoi, he said he feared what happened in Bukit Merah, Menglembu once could happen again.

Perak Amanah chairperson Asmuni Awi, during a press conference at the same programme, said there had been no engagement sessions with the opposition’s elected representatives on the mining project.

Saarani said the government has assured that the rare earth element was safe to be mined and would not have radioactive effects as claimed by the opposition.

“Our stand is clear and firm that if the mineral mined has radioactive substances, then it will not be carried out. I am not a leader who is ready to put people’s health and lives at risk.

“We will not do that just to find new sources of income,” he said.

- Bernama