PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has called for an international discussion and assessment on the release of radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean. Lee, who is the Alliance for Safe Community chairman, believes that such measures are necessary due to global concerns despite safety assurances provided by Japan and the International Atomic Energy (IAEA). He stated in a media statement on Monday (Aug 28) that there should be a robust international discussion to address all core issues and debunk any false claims, in order to find a win-win situation for Japan, Malaysia, and the world at large.
Tan Sri David Kong Hon Kong, philanthropist and executive chairman of Nirvana Asia Group, is among those who strongly oppose Japan’s actions. On Sunday (Aug 27), a mass petition titled “Raise Your Voice, Stop the Discharge of Nuclear Wastewater into the Ocean” was held at the Nirvana Memorial Garden in Semenyih, Selangor. This petition was held in conjunction with the annual Zhong Yuan enlightenment ceremony, which is dedicated to remembering ancestors, advocating filial piety, and paying tribute to the departed. Similar petition drives are scheduled at Nirvana Centre Kuala Lumpur on Sept 2 and 3, Nirvana Memorial Park in Klang on Sept 3, and in Shah Alam on Sept 9 and 10. The petition has garnered tens of thousands of signatures from Malaysians and will be submitted to the Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Concerns have risen on an international level since Japan began releasing contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday (Aug 24). This action stems from the 9.0-magnitude earthquake in 2011, which triggered a tsunami that affected three reactors of the Fukushima nuclear plant located about 250km north of Tokyo. Over the next 30 years, 1.3 million tonnes of wastewater will be discharged. Lee acknowledges the worries among Malaysians, especially regarding disruptions in the food supply chain and the negative consequences on the economy, politics, and social harmony.
“The release of radioactive water could lead to contamination of marine resources, damaging the reputation of Malaysian seafood in international markets and causing economic losses for fishermen and seafood exporters,” added Lee. He also acknowledged that consumers might hesitate to purchase seafood from Malaysia if concerns about radioactive contamination persist. Despite Japan and the IAEA assuring that the impact of the release is “negligible” on both people and the environment, Lee emphasized that Malaysia would be affected economically and psychologically regardless of the outcome.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
