KUALA LUMPUR - The Pakatan Harapan-led (PH) government will seek to close the circle on one of its most controversial decisions from its first stint in power by forcing Australian rare earths miner Lynas to ensure radiation-free operations at its Malaysian plant by July.
The Straits Times has learnt that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration refused a request by Lynas – the largest producer outside of China of the highly sought-after minerals – to lift conditions for the three-year renewal of its licence, which expires in March.
“Cabinet has decided to reject the request. Lynas will no longer be allowed to produce radioactive waste in Malaysia,” a top government figure said on condition of anonymity, as an official announcement is due only later in February.
