PETALING JAYA: Despite being touted as a possible energy source for the future, interest groups say that the potential adoption of nuclear energy demands a transparent conversation to examine the full reality of what nuclear energy means for Malaysia.
Water and Energy Consumers Association of Malaysia president Dr T. Saravanan said that despite nuclear power being often branded as “clean”, its waste can remain dangerously radioactive for thousands of years.
“Can we, with confidence, guarantee that Malaysia will be able to secure and monitor such waste safely for centuries to come?” he asked.
ALSO READ: Chang: Nuclear is key to the future
History, he added, also offers sobering reminders.
“The tragedy of Bukit Merah, once described as Asia’s worst radioactive contamination incident, continues to scar our conscience.
“Communities there still live with the toxic legacy of poorly managed waste from rare earth processing in the 1980s.
“If we failed to enforce safeguards then, what assurance do Malaysians have that things will be different now?” he asked.
ALSO READ: Experts back it for price stability and energy security
Saravanan also said Malaysia is not immune to seismic risks, citing the recent tremors felt in Johor.
“Even minor seismic events raise legitimate concerns about the safety of reactors and waste storage facilities.
“In an age where climate change is accelerating extreme weather, from prolonged droughts to flash floods, the vulnerabilities of nuclear plants become even more pressing,” said Saravanan, who is also chief executive officer the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).
Nuclear reactors, he said, are also notoriously water-hungry, requiring massive withdrawals for cooling.
“They also release heated water back into rivers and seas, harming fisheries, farms and households,” he noted.
“Can we afford to risk water scarcity when climate change already threatens our supplies?”
He added that while some see nuclear energy as a bold step forward in diversifying Malaysia’s energy mix, others fear it is a costly gamble that could last for generations.
“The truth is that this issue cannot be reduced to slogans about clean energy or future security,” Saravanan said.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman said waste management remains the biggest concern.
“Where are the waste and radioactive materials going to be disposed of? Bear in mind that it will be on Earth for hundreds and thousands of years.
“Governments may allay concerns, but for how long can such safety be guaranteed?” she asked.
She said Malaysia also has a poor track record of safety, citing incidents such as the Bukit Merah tragedy and the Sungai Kim Kim pollution incident.
“It’s not a good record for risk management, what more radioactive substances?” she said.
Meenakshi added that the cost of electricity generated from nuclear energy can be very expensive.
“You can’t be asking the consumer to pay for this. There must be a thorough debate and consultation process before implementing this move.
“At the end of the day, it will be the community who will be paying the price,” she said.
