PETALING JAYA: Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat has come out in defence of the Lynas Corp rare earth plant in Gebeng, Kuantan.

He also criticised Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, who has been opposing the construction of the plant, for “frightening the public”.

“She is frightening the public by saying that Lynas is a nuclear plant when its function is only to process natural materials like rare earth from Mount Weld in Western Australia, which has less radiation compared to an ore mine.

“As the issue was brought up by the PKR, I've kept quiet and even been given a warning by the PAS information department not to comment.

“I've been silent so far, but this is unfair. They've been making comments in every issue of Harakah in a tone we are uncomfortable with,” said the PAS MP, who is also an expert in nuclear science.

Dr Che Rosli said as a PAS member, he felt embarassed by the stance taken by PKR's Fuziah.

“So, I've made the decision as a nuclear scientist to come forward to comment today,” he said in an interview over TV3 news here yesterday.

He said residents in Kuantan need not worry about the safety of the Lynas plant.

“The accusations made are unscientific and not at all academic.

“The people need not be worried. Once Lynas is built, they can go into the plant and see for themselves the safety measures put into place for both the workers and the public,” he said.

Fuziah had earlier spoken out against the project, citing health concerns and radiation fears from the rare earth plant.

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