Nuclear Reactor in Malaysia?!

In the future 20 years or so, Malaysia might have its first nuclear reactor. I was rather surprised that our government has proposed to build nuclear reactor in Malaysia. Actually, around May 2009, I heard from my British lecturer, Dr. David that Malaysia are planning to build a nuclear plant to supply electricity and it would take around 20 years just to set up the plant.

After hearing the news, he asked us to discuss whether constructing a nuclear reactor plant is a wise move. Some of my course-mates were supportive of this idea. However, for me, I would oppose this idea. Reasons? Well, I can't deny that by building a nuclear plant, this would definitely support our needs for electricity and power. However, at the same time, we, Malaysians are taking a huge risk! About a few weeks ago, Star newspaper did a feature on nuclear plant. The pro-nuclear professors and influential people claimed that it is more environmental to use nuclear energy as it produces almost no emission of carbon dioxide. [It has its point]. But, the by-products of nuclear energy are more difficult to deal with. Not only it is radioactive, it is also quite difficult to find ample spaces to store them.

Now, let's say that the security of the nuclear reactor is more than enough. We should not be overshadowed by the past - for example, The Chernobyl's Disaster. Let's be open-minded! -some experts said. However, the horror of nuclear reactor plants' failures would breed decades of radioactivity in our lives -causing us to suffer enormous severe illnesses. In my opinion, Malaysia is a bless land-Sunlight 365 days, beautiful beaches, ... We can explore other ways to gain energy as nuclear energy is not really necessary in Malaysia. Solar energy is gaining its popularity(^^).

Finally, nuclear reactors need raw materials to generate energy - the main ingredient - Uranium. Since 20 years are needed to set up a plant, can we predict the future?! There are so many countries using nuclear energy - e.g : France. But, is it wise to follow their footstep.?Just like fossil fuel, one day, uranium would also have its limit! But, when do we know that will happen? Maybe 20 years later, uranium would be more expensive as the demand increases.

Reasons Not To Have Nuclear Reactor

• location - where is it gonna to be build? outskirts? near kampong? If it were to be built near my house, I would definitely protest until my lungs out!
• Trend - again, I think that our country is just following other countries trend! Now, my favourite facts - 1 min of sunlight = 1 year of the world energy supply!. If we can find a way to increase solar panels' efficiency, we would have almost never-ending energy.
  
• Accident - if we can predict accidents, there would not be any accident! Human error, reactor failure.....

Herewith - I found 2 articles on nuclear reactor - pro [here] and anti[here] nuclear reactor.

So, what do you think?!

A nuclear reactor would solve the shortage of energy for our country for many years. But, sooner or later, new plants would be needed. From that, it would starts a chain reaction of nuclear reactor.

Is Malaysia big enough for nuclear reactors?

---