No more nuke! (Part 2)

“We may as well close Gebeng.” – Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob, quoted in The Star, 15^th April 2010

The Pahang Menteri Besar (“PMB”), in supporting the building of the rare earth refinery by Lynas Corp, was quoted as saying that Gebeng being the nation’s chemical and petrochemical hub, already produced some form of emission.  

Presumably, because Gebeng already produced “some form of emission”, it is alright for radioactive waste to be thrown into the mix as well. I really don’t get it. It’s like saying, “Since this river is already polluted, we may as well throw our rubbish into this river. And while we’re at it, we may as well throw Australia’s rubbish into this river. What difference does it make? The river is polluted anyway”.

Instead of calming the well founded fears of Gebeng residents by giving rational, scientific and logical answers, the PMB saw it fit to threaten the Gebeng residents. Like a child who is caught red handed.

We are now an informed society. We demand answers, especially if it concerns our safety and health. Let’s face it. The Pahang State Government sure doesn’t care about us. We have to look out for ourselves.

I have 2 questions.

(1)   If the refinery and the waste it produces is as safe as the PMB says it is, why won’t, or why can’t, Lynas Corp remove the waste back to Australia?

(2)   Can the state government guarantee that the refinery will be operated and maintained safely at all times?

I have serious doubts about (2). Like I’ve said before, our buildings are leaking, there are numerous pot holes on our roads, our bridges are falling down, etc. 1^st class infrastructure, 3^rd class maintenance. Do we really have what it takes to maintain a nuclear waste producing refinery?

If the PMB’s answer is yes, do you really expect me to believe that?