Indepth Study Needed Before Making Decision On Nuclear Energy - Najib

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- The government needs to conduct an in-depth study on nuclear energy before making any decision said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

Najib said comments and a poll carried out on the use of alternative source of energy had received mixed reactions.

"The results of the poll that has been concluded, showed 59 percent of the respondents favouring solar energy while 23 percent said yes to nuclear power. Biomass energy and wind energy came in third and fourth.

"However, your comments on my blog tell a different story. At the time of writing, nuclear energy accounted for more than two-thirds of submissions, with those in favour and those against in equal numbers. Solar energy was the second most popular comment category, with biomass and wind again occupying third and fourth positions.

"All this suggests to me that feelings on which energy source is best are mixed overall, and confirms that we have further to go before implementing a decision on nuclear.

"All options for electricity generation, from biomass to wind, will be explored. We will consult experts and we will consult the people, as there must be public engagement," said Najib in his www.1malaysia.com.my blog today.

He added that a Malaysian Renewable Energy Bill was accordingly being drafted by the Ministry of Energy for tabling before Parliament this year and if we got it right, at least 52,000 jobs could be created and approximately RM70 billion worth of business generated by the renewable energy sector by 2020, according to experts.

"Our energy future is an important discussion, and I would like that you continue to share questions and concerns with Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui and I. With your help, I'm confident that we can build a cleaner, greener Malaysia," he said.