LYNAS LICENCE RENEWAL NOT A BETRAYAL, MALAYSIA GUARANTEES NO NEW RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITY
KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 — Malaysia’s decision to renew Lynas Malaysia’s operating licence for another 10 years does not compromise public trust, the government said, stressing that the approval comes with strict conditions including a permanent ban on building new radioactive waste disposal facilities.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the licence extension reflects a firm government stance against the long-term accumulation of radioactive waste within the country.
He emphasised that Malaysia will not allow any new permanent disposal facility (PDF) to be constructed in the future.
Radioactive residue production to end by 2031
According to Chang, one of the key conditions of the renewed licence is the complete cessation of Water Leach Purification (WLP) residue production after the first five years.
This means Lynas must stop producing radioactive residue entirely by 2031.
Any residue generated before that deadline must undergo approved treatment processes to remove radioactive elements or be neutralised to safe levels.
The requirement ensures that radioactive waste will no longer continue accumulating in Malaysia beyond the specified timeframe.
Existing disposal facility will manage current waste
Chang also confirmed that existing radioactive waste will be stored at the permanent disposal facility currently under construction.
The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and has already reached approximately 75 per cent completion.
He made it clear that the facility will only accommodate existing waste and will not lead to the creation of additional disposal sites in the future.
This, he said, demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting both the environment and public health.
Balancing national interests and investor confidence
Chang said the decision also sends a strong message to international investors that Malaysia remains a reliable and predictable investment destination.
He noted that companies complying with Malaysian laws and licence conditions will be allowed to continue operating.
Earlier, Lynas Rare Earths Ltd announced that its Malaysian operating licence had been officially renewed for another decade starting March 3, 2026.
The company welcomed the decision and expressed appreciation to the Malaysian government.
Approval followed strict technical and legal review
Chang explained that the licence renewal was granted only after extensive technical assessments, compliance checks and evaluation of Malaysia’s strategic interests.
The licence also requires radioactive residue to be treated until radiation levels fall below the regulatory threshold of one becquerel per gram.
This can be achieved through thorium extraction or other approved treatment technologies.
These safeguards are intended to ensure that radioactive waste risks are effectively controlled.
Subject to Malaysia’s Atomic Energy law
The licence renewal is governed under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, which regulates the handling, storage and disposal of radioactive materials.
The law sets strict safety standards to protect workers, communities and the environment.
Chang said the government will closely monitor Lynas’s compliance to ensure all conditions are met.
He added that the government is confident the 2031 deadline to stop radioactive waste production can be achieved.
The renewal, he said, reflects Malaysia’s effort to balance economic growth, environmental protection and public safety.
-wilayah.com.my
