Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Peter Chin was put on the defensive today over the government’s ability to ensure public safety in the event a nuclear power plant is built.

penang assembly roof collapse 010510 lim guan eng "How do we ensure that the nuclear station will be safe when our stadium, mosque and bus station are collapsing?" asked Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng ( left ) during the question session in the Dewan Rakyat.

Other than safety measures, Lim also pressed Chin to explain why the government is not exploring safer forms of renewable energy instead.

Chin, who is also Miri MP, explained that while solar and wind energy are free, the cost of power production is much higher compared to a nuclear power station.

"Wind and sunlight are free but wind and solar power are not," he said.

He further asserted that nuclear power is necessary for the future production of energy to support increasing consumption.

"Post-2020, Peninsular Malaysia can no longer rely on gas and coal for electricity supply. Strong dependency on these sources will increase the cost of generating electricity, which will ultimately result in the consumer having to pay a higher price for electricity supply," he said.

peter chin On the cost of building a nuclear plant, Chin ( right ) admitted that the price varies according to the size, technical specifications and safety measures.

"However, it is estimated that a nuclear plant with 1,000 megawatt capacity (would cost) between US$2.5 billion to US$4 billion," he told the House.

Although the cost to set up the plant is high, the operational cost is much lower compared to coal, fuel and gas.

The minister further explained that the government will hold road shows to educate the public on the safety of nuclear power.            

“We hope the people can accept nuclear power through the programme,” he added, assuring that nuclear power is a safe source of power.