Malaysia set to use nuclear energy by 2025

The New Straits Times quoted Malaysian Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof as saying that initial costs of building nuclear plants may be one billion U.S. dollars to 3 billion U.S. dollars for a 1,000 megawatt capacity, twice the amount for building a coal-fired plant in the country.

    Malaysia currently generates electricity mainly from coal, oil, gas and hydro. Fadillah said that nuclear energy was a cheaper and environmental-friendly source of power with no pollutant produced in the long run.

    He said that the nuclear power would produce hydrogen that can be used and it would only produce waste after 20 years of usage.

    Fadillah said that some government agencies of Malaysia were working on forming a committee to implement the nuclear energy policy, as approved by the Malaysian Cabinet two weeks ago.

    He said that Malaysia would engage professionals and consultants for advise on nuclear power, while linking up with the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency for verification and certification on the policy.

    He also said that his ministry would embark on a public awareness campaign to dispel people's negative perception and doubts on the safety of nuclear energy, Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.chinaview.cn for full version.