COMMENT | Rare earth: Will we ever learn from past debacles?

COMMENT | I refer to your article "Can Kedah extract 'clean' rare earth elements?" It is indeed well-researched, comprehensive, and written in a form very understandable to the layperson on a highly technical subject.

This is a trending hot issue, and I am surprised the academics and scientists have not come up with such a write-up for the benefit of the people. Such articles truly add value and recognition to Malaysiakini. Kudos and keep it up.

This article gives a clear, unambiguous, and I should say truthful, perspective regarding rare earth elements (REEs) compared to the wishy-washy statement by Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.

However, it should be noted that scientific literature tends to be biased and conservative in discussing the real dangers of practicalities like actual mining processing et cetera. Lab experiments or desktop research cannot unravel the true effects of nature.

Worse still are people with invested interests who intentionally mislead and sing praises. Even the MB who is supposed to represent the welfare of people seemed to be taken in by the billions of ringgit and has become the chief mouthpiece of the company.

We should look at the safety and efficacy of the operations in the context of Malaysia. Even household wastes and scheduled wastes in urban areas of KL and Selangor are dumped discriminately right under our noses...