By NNN-Bernama,
Kuala Lumpur : The government has identified eight possible locations in Peninsular Malaysia for the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant which is expected to be operational by 2021, says Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Daud Mohamad.
A study is being carried out to select the most suitable location for the purpose, he told reporters after opening a symposium on quality management here Wednesday.
“Among the criteria which a location should have to make it a suitable site for the construction of the nuclear power plant is that it should be near a water source, with hard rock terrain and not in a flood-prone area,” he said.
“All these criteria have to be looked into before making any decision. If there are people staying in the selected area, they have to be moved out, while for an area which has been developed, we have to relocate, but the cost is very high.
“Whatever the decision, it will be made by the government and is expected in 2012.”
Regarding the safety aspect of the nuclear power plant, Dr Daud said there was no need for Malaysians to worry and programmes would be carried out by the agency to explain to the people the pros and cons of the project.
He also welcomed suggestions and views from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), as well as politicians, including from the opposition parties, and the private sector on the construction of the nuclear power plant.