According to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, the Gamma Spectrum Water Monitoring System (GSWMS) conducted monitoring from Oct 1 to Nov 30 and found that there was no increase in radioactivity levels in Malaysian waters. This monitoring was initiated due to the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean by the Japanese authorities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated that the approach and activities to discharge waters treated through the Advanced Liquid Processing Systems (ALPS) were consistent with relevant international safety standards. IAEA’s findings also reported that the controlled and gradual discharges of treated water to the sea would have a negligible radiological impact on the people and the environment.
To ensure that the Malaysian waters remained unaffected, the Ministry through the Atomic Energy Department continuously monitors the radioactivity levels using the GSWMS installed at the jetty of the Borneo Marine Research Institute at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu. The Minister provided this information during the question and answer session at Dewan Negara on Monday (Dec 4).
He responded to a query from Senator Datuk Koh Nai Kwong about the status and impact of any increase in radioactivity levels in the country’s waters following the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. This event has stirred public concern. – Bernama
