high court hearing, page-61

BENTONG (Aug 24, 2012): Pahang continues to attract foreign investors despite the hype by opposition political parties about the Lynas rare earth processing plant in Gebeng, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.

The latest development was the potential investment of about RM1 billion by investors from China to put up a factory and the expansion of Kuantan port, he said.

Adnan said Pahang receives investments of about RM2 billion annually, which has opened up many employment opportunities for the people of the state, he told reporters after an Aidilfitri reception he hosted at the Bentong Municipal Council hall, here, yesterday.

"If the setting up of the Lynas factory is hazardous, why are many foreign investors flocking to invest in Kuantan? Even a private Chinese school is to be built in Kuantan soon.

"This only goes to show that the construction of the Lynas factory is not hazardous and has been politicised by the opposition for the general election," he said.

Adnan said he had not received any report of people having sold their land or house in Gebeng for fear of the Lynas factory operation.

He said people were coming to see him to seek recommendation for jobs and contract opportunities at Lynas and other factories.

Lynas chose to operate in Malaysia because of its cheaper production costs compared to Australia while China had tightened export of the product. – Bernama