SHAH ALAM, 29 Mar: Following the incident where a Lynas truck overturned in Pahang yesterday, DAP has urged the authorities to take appropriate and prompt action.
The Pahang DAP Chairman, Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puri, said that swift action must be taken in such situations to avoid any undesirable effects to happen, especially to the local residents.
He said the delay in taking action is likely to harm and endanger the residents due to the spilled chemical substances.
“Until now, there is still no confirmation from the police and the Department of Environment on what were the chemicals. So far, only the Temerloh police has called a press conference, but why is Lynas still keeping silent,” he said.
Citing Roketkini, Tengku Zulpuri rushed to the scene in Mentakab early yesterday morning and received complaints from residents that they have experiences itching on the skin on their faces and body as a result of the chemicals spilled.
“If the negligence is not resolved soon, can the authorities assure that the chemicals does not threaten the health and safety of the residents and is under control.
“If the substance that fell off the truck was covered in canvas, is this the only SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) to transport hazardous material from Lynas,” he said.
Yesterday, an accident involving a truck carrying rare earth products from Lynas took place at kilometre 149, Jalan Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan in Lanchang, Pahang.
The Temerloh District Police Chief, Abdul Aziz Salleh, confirmed that the truck was carrying 15 containers filled with liquid chemicals, PrND Chloride and 13 of it were scattered on the road.
Abdul Aziz also reportedly said that the liquid that may cause skin irritation can kill fish if it flows into the river.
