PUTRAJAYA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on a proposal to build a nuclear power plant in the country in 10 years time, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Mah Siew Keong.
The newly-appointed minister who oversees Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation (MNPC) said a comprehensive study, including public acceptance, was needed besides obtaining input from experts and also non-governmental organisations.
“MNPC is to study and spearhead the deployment of nuclear power plants in Malaysia to provide long-term and sustainable energy in future. The government will be studying everything from safety aspects of building a nuclear power plant. The feasibility study will also include public acceptance and a draft of regulations framework.
“We will make everything transparent. We will keep the public informed,” he said during a press conference at his office in Menara Usahawan here today.
Mah said the feasibility report would be tabled in cabinet.
It was reported that the government had said in December 2010 that it plans to build two nuclear power plants to meet rising energy demands, one by 2021 and the second a year later.
The meltdowns at Fukushima power plant in 2011, which released large amounts of radiation had raised public worry on the risk of nuclear power. –BERNAMA