KUALA LUMPUR: The use of nuclear energy to generate electricity in the country is safe and can also increase the nation's long-term
energy security, Director-General of Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) Datuk Dr Daud Mohamad says.

He said the use of nuclear technology could be considered safe based on the
number of nuclear plants worldwide.

"We know that nuclear technology is a clean and safe technology, having been developed over 50 years ago. Besides, it does not release the greenhouse gases ," he told reporters after the opening of the 3rd National Seminar on
Public Information on Nuclear Energy (PINE3) here on Wednesday, Nov 11.

Daud said nuclear power was seen by the world as a future source of energy because in most places, the electricity generated by nuclear powerplants was cheaper than other alternative sources.

Hence,  public awareness of the importance of the use of nuclear technology to generate electricity should be enhanced, he added.

Daud said several other aspects should also be made clear to the public, especially in terms of technology, safety and the disposal of nuclear waste, before the plan to use nuclear power to generate electricity was to be implemented in Malaysia.

"In view of the current renewed interest in the utilisation of nuclear energy for electricity generation for long-term national energy security and sustainable development, Nuclear Malaysia has placed greater emphasis on nuclear energy in its public-information efforts, without neglecting the non-power applications of nuclear technology in various socio-economic sectors.

"These sectors include the agriculture and biotechnology, medicine and healthcare, environmental and natural-resource management, R&D, and education and training," he said.

Members of the public who are interested in learning more about nuclear power are welcome to visit the Nuclear Malaysia Complex in Bangi, Selangor or its website at www.nuclearmalaysia.gov.my. — Bernama