JUDGING by the number of articles appearing in the press on the wonders of nuclear power, it would seem that we are being “softened up” prior to a momentous decision being made without our involvement but that will affect us all.

As one of the very few people in Malaysia actually exposed to radiation fall-out in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, I am appalled by the prospect of Tenaga Nasional Bhd giving serious consideration to nuclear power as a possible generation source of power.

I’m not necessarily challenging statements that current designs of nuclear reactor are far safer than they used to be but until the human factor is removed from the operation of such devices, there is, and will be, no such thing as a “safe” reactor. Nothing man has built can be termed truly safe. Add to this the well-known lackadaisical and casual attitude to safety and maintenance, having nuclear reactors in Malaysia is an accident just waiting to happen.

To term nuclear power as a “green” source of power is inaccurate. True, it may not be polluting in the short term (the occasional and almost inevitable accidental leaks notwithstanding) but just how does TNB plan to dispose of the highly radioactive waste from such a reactor? The problem of long-term, safe disposal has not been resolved anywhere, given that we are talking about waste that will be highly toxic to life for many thousands of years. Tipping the stuff down a handy ravine in the Ulu Klang catchment area just won’t cut it.

It would seem that the decision-makers in TNB are not thinking of this — it’s not their problem, but it will be a major problem for dozens, perhaps hundreds, of generations in the future.

Malaysia is blessed with sunshine, flowing water and tides and yet none of this seems to have been considered. And what about the vast amount of electricity that is lost, stolen or wasted between generation and delivery to the consumers?

Yet again, the powers that be seem intent on taking the so-called easy road, the short-term fix requiring little or no thought, planning or long-term assessment of the frightful consequences of a leak or meltdown.

I earnestly hope that the government will realise it is not necessary to go down the nuclear road.

Source: NST – July 3, 2009