EIGHT LOCATIONS IDENTIFIED FOR POSSIBLE SITE OF MALAYSIA'S FIRST NUCLEAR PLANT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- The government has identified eight
locations in Peninsular Malaysia for the construction of the country's first
nuclear power plant which is expected to be operational by 2021.

Malaysian Nuclear Agency director-general Dr Daud Mohamad said a study
was being carried out to select the most suitable location for the purpose.

"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.

"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," he told reporters after opening a symposium on quality management here
Wednesday.


On the safety aspect of the nuclear power plant, Dr Daud said there was no
need for Malaysians to worry, adding that 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,
as well as politicians, including from the opposition parties, and the private
sector on the construction of the nuclear plant.

-- BERNAMA