KUCHING: The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) will enhance its technical capabilities and team strength in anticipation of the possible implementation of a nuclear energy project involving Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah.
Its director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said that, in principle, all firefighters have already received basic-level exposure to radioactivity.
“We also have 17 Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Special Teams consisting of about 429 members nationwide. These personnel have already been exposed to matters related to radioactivity,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after officiating at a Fire and Rescue Service Medal presentation ceremony held at the Main Hall, Wisma Wanita, Petra Jaya today (Aug4).
Nor Hisham explained that should a nuclear power plant be built in the country, there would be a need to improve equipment, including special radiation detection devices, depending on the plant’s location.
He pointed out that although the department is equipped with dosimeters, advanced technology and equipment should be provided by the industry.
“I strongly believe that when plant technology is developed, it is the industry that should provide the necessary equipment for us, not something JBPM should purchase on its own.
Fire stations located near the plant must also be equipped with automatic detection and alarm systems to ensure any incidents can be detected early and addressed immediately,” he stressed.
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, said the government was studying the possibility of implementing a nuclear energy project in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, given the high demand for stable energy in both regions.
He said factors such as location suitability near water sources like rivers, seas, or large lakes are among the main considerations in the ongoing feasibility study for the nuclear plant’s cooling system.
