Selangor To Focus On Human Resource Expertise To Explore Nuclear Energy As New Power Source

SHAH ALAM, Nov 18 (Bernama) – The Selangor state government is currently focusing on building human resource expertise as an initial step in the state's continuous effort to explore nuclear energy as a new power source.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the development of this expertise involves officers and engineers who are currently being sent to Tsinghua University in China and other countries before a feasibility study is conducted in the state.

He noted that, however, the proposal regarding the exploration of this resource is still in the early stages, and the focus remains on examining existing development models.

"In the initial phase, we will focus on human resource capacity building. We must be prepared, especially in terms of our own strength and capability.

"Without careful preparation (especially local expertise), it might cause anxiety in the community (regarding the perception or function of nuclear energy)," he said.

He was speaking when met by reporters after the Exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony between Wanita Berdaya Selangor (WBS) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UKM) at the Selangor State Assembly Lobby today.

Amirudin said the exploration of this new source is the state's preparation for moving away from reliance on fossil energy sources, which have dwindling reserves.

"If we continue to rely on imported (fossil fuels), they will run dry (be depleted) and the cost is more expensive now. "So we are preparing. The five years I mentioned is for us to be ready to start, with a one to five-year period for capacity building (human resources), and then the subsequent plan of action and blueprint to be developed comprehensively," he said.

Yesterday, Amirudin was reported as saying that Selangor is expected to begin implementing nuclear energy as a clean energy source in the state within the next five years, and the state government is currently in the early phase of exploration, including related expertise development.

-- BERNAMA