HULU LANGAT: Concerns are being raised among Malaysians as Japan began releasing contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean last Thursday. Many Malaysians have expressed reservations about the planned discharge of 1.3 million tonnes of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, despite assurances of safety from the Japanese government and scientists, including the International Atomic Energy Agency.
These concerns stem from the 9.0-magnitude earthquake in 2011 that triggered a tsunami, which damaged three reactors of the Fukushima plant situated about 250km north of Tokyo. Malaysians are worried about the potential impact of the phased water release over the next 30 years on human health, marine life, and the environment.
One prominent figure among those strongly opposing Japan’s action is philanthropist Tan Sri David Kong Hon Kong, who is also the founder and executive chairman of Nirvana Asia Group. Kong believes that the released radioactive substances could spread and “cast a long shadow over the entire world.”
He further questions the extended timeframe for the wastewater release, suggesting it reflects concerns and uncertainties about its potential effects on humanity. Kong attended the launch of the “Raise Your Voice, Stop the Discharge of Nuclear Wastewater into the Ocean” mass petition event held at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih, Selangor, yesterday.
This event coincided with the company’s annual Zhong Yuan enlightenment ceremony, which honors ancestors, advocates filial piety, and pays tribute to the departed. Kong reveals that tens of thousands of Malaysians have already signed the petition, which is displayed on three large banners.
He calls upon more Malaysian individuals and companies to voice their opposition to Japan’s wastewater release. Kong emphasizes that being in business does not mean neglecting social responsibilities, especially considering the ongoing challenges brought about by the pandemic.
He firmly believes that preventing another crisis requires everyone’s unequivocal protest against the release of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. Kong points out that Japan’s action contradicts the growing importance and prominence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in the country and worldwide.
Kong urges everyone, including corporations, to participate in the petition and call on the Japanese government to halt the wastewater release. Additionally, Kong’s company plans to set up more petition zones during upcoming enlightenment ceremonies at other locations, such as Nirvana Center Kuala Lumpur, Nirvana Memorial Park in Klang, and Shah Alam.
He confirms that all the collected signatures will be delivered to the Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
