Nuclear energy to take place in Malaysia soon

www.mmail.com.my
13 January 2011

The government is confident that Malaysians will eventually buy into nuclear power, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui today. Chin said through proper process of disseminating information and by practising transparency, the rakyat will understand why the country may have to rely on nuclear technology in the future for its energy needs.

"If we (the government) are transparent, and if information on the benefits of nuclear power is disseminated well, I believe the rakyat will understand the need for nuclear power", said Chin at a Press conference this morning. "Only yesterday, I received a delegation from Japan. They offered us their assistance and expertise on nuclear power. "In Japan and South Korea, nuclear technology is used. But their people don't feel worried. I'm convinced if we explain well to the Malaysian public, they will understand", he said.

Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced the formation of the Malaysian Nuclear Development Corporation to study the feasibilities of implementing nuclear technology. Chin said although the corporation is under the purview of the Prime Minister's Department, his ministry is involved in assisting the corporation, especially in the aspects of building public confidence. "We will do whatever we can to assist the corporation".

Chin said at this point, the ministry have only "scratched the surface" in building public confidence. "We've only just begun", he said. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Seri Idris Jala, had said last Tuesday that the formation of the nuclear corporation was important to prepare for an alternative fuel source for the country in the future - especially with the imminent decline in fossil fuels.

Chin this morning officiated the contract signing ceremony of raw water channel project from Pahang to Selangor. The launch kicks-off works on the Lot 1-3B pipe that will be used to channel raw water from Semantan river to Selangor. Meanwhile, Chin told reporters that Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, had already promised to approve the Langat 2 water treatment plant project.

"He gave his promise in December and by the end of this month, we expect to receive his approval in black and white", said Chin. "I appreciate and thank the MB for his approval. Once this is signed, the last hurdle for the Langat 2 project will be removed".

The Langat 2 water treatment plant is part of the Pahang-Selangor Interstate Water Transfer Project, which is meant to ease the water shortage problem in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur by transporting 1,890 million litres of raw water from Pahang daily. Chin said if the Langat 2 project is not completed by 2014, Selangor will suffer water shortage. The transfer of raw water from Sungai Semantan in Pahang is scheduled for early 2014. The project is expected to supply raw water daily via a 44.6-km tunnel through the Main Range to Selangor.