Download The Lynas rare earth plant in Malaysia is almost ready to go – but local residents have ramped up massive protests to stop it in its tracks.

Rare earths are minerals used in a wide range of electronic devices, hybrid cars, and weapons.

Australian company Lynas got the license to build and operate the Malaysia refinery – one of the largest in the world.

The plant could process up to 22 thousand tonnes of rare earth annually – enough to meet a third of world demand, not including China.

But protesters say it will also produce large amounts of radioactive waste, with long-term environmental and health risks.

Julia Yeow travels to the Gebeng industrial area in Malaysia’s eastern town of Kuantan, home for the controversial Lynas plant – and for 10,000 local residents.

Download Early this week Malaysia tabled a new bill in parliament that replaces the draconian Internal Security Act, or ISA.

The new Security Offences Bill promises no detention without trial for anti-government political opinions or activities.

But some activists are suspicious, and say the new law is too vague and does not do enough to guarantee rights.

Our correspondent Clarence Chua is in Kuala Lumpur to find out more.