Plastic waste, Lynas waste concerns Malaysians

On May 28, the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister Yeo Bee Yin revealed that the government is shipping back 450 metric tonnes of plastic waste to their countries of origin.

It was reported that the plastic waste was brought into Malaysia illegally from China, US, UK and Bangladesh, among others.

Previously, BBC reported that plastic waste was dumped in Perak by the UK. But this allegation was denied by the Perak Department of Environment.

Besides plastic waste, Lynas processing plant in Pahang is another environmental issue that caught the media attention in May 2019.

Concerns over the long-term effect of Lynas processing plant on health and the environment were raised by Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan MP) and Wong Tack (Bentong MP) for more than a decade.

The recent issue surrounding Lynas is on its waste management. In an official statement, the rare-earths mining company said that the waste produced from their plant can be turned into fertilizer.

Looking at the top influencers of Lynas, the first on the list is Lynas Malaysia managing director Mashal Ahmad with 91 statements. Following is Fuziah Salleh (56 statements), which is not surprising as she has been protesting the rare-earths mining company since 2008.

However, Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) has been quiet on Lynas in the media for the past month.

Its minister Yeo Bee Yin wrote a letter to the Australian government in February for collaboration to facilitate removal of the waste from Malaysia to Australia.

But in May, Yeo has been quiet on Lynas, as is her deputy Isnaraissah Munirah. Instead, Yeo has been busy on the plastic waste issue and the alleged overcharging by TNB.

Will MESTECC made an official statement on Lynas anytime soon?