by Meena L. Ramadas
SHAH ALAM (May 5, 2010) : The Selangor government will not allow or support the construction of a nuclear power plant in the state.

Khalid Ibrahim

Commenting on the federal government’s plan to build a nuclear plant, Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said there are other alternative methods to increase energy supply.
"We are looking towards increasing energy supply iby harnessing solar power," Abdul Khalid said after the state economic council meeting today.
He said energy usage can be reduced and with the advancement of new technology, there are tools that can be implemented widely to this end.
"Technology such as low emission diodes and energy saving lights can reduce energy consumption.
"There is no need to use nuclear power to increase energy supply," he said.
Abdul Khalid said the matter of a nuclear power plant is very serious and should have been discussed in Parliament.
"People will be wondering why the federal government needs to pursue nuclear energy when the Bakun Dam was supposed to solve the country’s energy issues," he said.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin had reportedly said on Monday the Economic Council had given the ministry the approval to identify suitable sites for the plant and it would take 10 years to build the plant.
Chin had said the construction of the plant needs to be in an area with high energy demands, therefore, the safety aspects, human resources and location require thorough studying.
He had said Malaysia’s first nuclear power plant will likely begin operations in 2021, with 50 to 70 years of life expectancy.
However, he also said the International Atomic Energy Agency has the final say on whether the plant will be built.
Tourism, Consumer Affairs and the Environment Exco Elizabeth Wong, meanwhile, urged Chin and the Cabinet to reverse the decision to build a nuclear plant. -- theSun