KUALA LUMPUR (May 7): Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd is questioning as to why Malaysia is importing gypsum material, saying the company is capable of producing a synthetic version of the substance locally.

“One of Lynas Malaysia’s by-products is neutralisation underflow residue (NUF), a magnesium rich synthetic gypsum which is a non-radioactive, non-toxic, non-hazardous and chemically equivalent to the naturally-produced gypsum,” the company said in a statement.

Gypsum is used in several industries in products such as cement, plaster and fertiliser.

Last year, Malaysia imported over a million tonnes of gypsum at a cost of RM128 million, Lynas Malaysia managing director and vice-president Datuk Mashal Ahmad, and radiation safety, regulations and compliance general manager Professor Ismail Bahari, noted in the statement.

“Research and development has identified various applications for NUF, and Lynas has been approached by companies in Malaysia regarding commercial use of the NUF material,” they said.

“This is consistent with the 11th Malaysia Plan 2016-2020, which looks at ‘Managing waste holistically’ and states that usage of waste as a resource gives it economic value, thus diverting it away from landfill towards more productive use,” they added.

The statement quoted Universiti Putra Malaysia professor Dr Shamshuddin Jusop as saying that using the synthetic gypsum is a good soil ameliorant for low fertility soil.

“NUF can also be used commercially as a gypsum replacement in the construction industry. Using Lynas’ material would allow the Malaysian government to save millions in import costs,” Shamshuddin said.