JBPM Ready To Elevate Capabilities if Nuclear Plant Built In Malaysia

KUCHING, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is ready to enhance its personnel and equipment capabilities to face any eventualities following the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant in the country.

JBPM Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said the fire department has already been on standby in terms of basic training in radioactive exposure through established 17 Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Teams involving a total of 429 personnel nationwide.

“The technology for building nuclear plants and its fire prevention systems is now mature and subject to international standards and existing best practices.

“What is important is that the industry must provide monitoring equipment such as dosimeters and detection devices to the fire station in the vicinity of the plant,” he said after officiating the 2024 Fire Service Medal Awards ceremony here today.

Nor Hisham said the level of internal safety of the reactor would depend on the site plan and the final design of the plant, and that JBPM would work closely with relevant agencies to compile a comprehensive contingency plan.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof reportedly said the government was currently exploring the possibility of implementing nuclear power projects in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah due to the high demand for stable energy supply in both regions.

Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said proximity to water sources such as rivers, the sea or large lakes is among the key considerations in the ongoing feasibility study for the nuclear plant's cooling system.

-- BERNAMA