Gerakan wants the government to give serious consideration on the viability of nuclear energy before embarking on an expedition to use it.

Dr Cheah Soon Hai, Chairman of Gerakan’s Environment, Security and Quality of Life Bureau said that the government should set up a committee to carry out in-depth research and look into the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy.

“The committee must consist of competent experts and researches that are well versed in the fields of nuclear energy. Only then can they come up with a draft that has detailed and complete guidelines,” said Dr. Cheah.

He said that this was to avoid complications and conflicts in future.

“Previously at one time the government had planned to develop a waste incinerator. Finally the project was shelved as it raised many objections, among others, the cost and its impact on the environment. Hence we should take heed from that lesson and make sure that this time we won’t fumble on the issue of nuclear energy.”

“Now that ministry is drafting the guidelines, it should into consideration all aspects including safety prevention measures.”

He added, “The cost of using nuclear energy is relatively low compared to other means of generating energy and will not release carbon dioxide but it is evident that it will result in the collection of nuclear waste and radioactive material. This will have ghastly biological and environmental effects.”

“Nuclear waste must therefore be well managed as the development of nuclear energy must not be at the expense of the environment.”

“This is not an easy task and requires strict conformity with the law particularly in building power plants and using standard material.”

“Simultaneously we must continue in our research to explore alternative energy methods such as solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal as other possible sources,” he further said.

“Another matter that has to be considered is that by developing nuclear energy, we would have to rely on the import of nuclear materials. Thus while nuclear energy does not emit carbon dioxide we may find ourselves dependent on others in order to supply energy to power our country. Nuclear energy is a treacherous matter.”

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr. Maximus Ongkili recently mentioned that the alternative energy policy which covers the use of nuclear energy is in the final stages of drafting and be announced in three months.