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Nuclear plants opposed for Malaysia

Apart from the additional costs incurred to treat and store radioactive waste, Santiago said the government would also have to put in place security measures to check radioactive elements from being trafficked for production of weapons.

Nuke plants: It’s outrageous, says Santiago, Free Malaysia Today, 20 Dec 10, PETALING JAYA: The government’s plan to build two nuclear power plants by 2022 is outrageous, Klang MP Charles Santiago said today.He added that the proposal was made in total disregard of Parliament and the public.The DAP lawmaker was commenting on Energy, Water and Green Technology Minister Peter Chin Fah Kui’s announcement yesterday that the government planned to build the nuclear power plants by 2022.

“Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak in his 1Malaysia blog promised a ‘comprehensive study’ before going ahead with the nuclear power plants,” Santiago said in a press statement.

“Najib said that ‘all options for electricity generation, from biomass to wind, will be explored’ before making a decision on the nuclear project.

“However, till today the ‘comprehensive study’ has not been made available to the public. Moreover, it is not clear if such a study was ever conducted. Were the stakeholders consulted?” asked Santiago.

He dismissed Chin’s claim that nuclear power plants are cost-efficient …….

Radioactive elements

Apart from the additional costs incurred to treat and store radioactive waste, Santiago said the government would also have to put in place security measures to check radioactive elements from being trafficked for production of weapons.

“Nuclear power plants are also a health risk. A study commissioned by the German government showed a strong link between child cancer and proximity to nuclear power plants,” he said.

Santiago reminded Chin that a big part of nuclear safety lies in maintenance and Malaysia unfortunately suffers from a poor maintenance culture.

“The federal government is also fond of official secrecy. These factors combined do not generate any confidence in nuclear safety among Malaysians,” said Santiago.

Nuke plants: It’s outrageous, says Santiago

December 21, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | ASIA, politics