Review of nuclear plants proposal in wake of Japan earthquake

"How Possibly Does A Leader Going Round And Round A Track Help The Nation Grow? Do Be One Good Leader Like Those Who Let Our Voices Be Heard! " 

(source: masslive.com- The Associated Press news) March 14,2011


BOSTON (AP) — Sen. John Kerry is urging the Obama administration to rethink its push for a new generation of nuclear power plants.
The Massachusetts Democrat said the devastating earthquake in Japan that led to two hydrogen explosions at a tsunami-stricken nuclear power facility should automatically cause the administration to back off calls for new nuclear plants in the United States.
Kerry said Monday that new plants shouldn't be built until they can be designed to guarantee that the nuclear core won't break apart even under the most extreme kinds of stress like an earthquake.
He said without that guarantee no community will accept a nuclear plant nearby.
President Barack Obama has said the country needs to expand its energy sources, from wind and solar to a new generation of nuclear power plants.

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At the parliament in Malaysia,
(Source: SAPP official website)
It's time to review nuclear plant proposal

(Kuala Lumpur, March 22, 2011): Datuk Chua Soon Bui , Member of Parliament Tawau who is the Vice President of SAPP said while the world shared the grief with Japan on the Holocaust of the double disaster of earthquake and Tsunami which devastated Japan leading to millions homeless, and thousands of death.

"We Parliamentarians from Malaysia, and I from the Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) shared the burden of sorrow and convey our deepest condolences to the Japan Government and the people of Japan.

"We mourned with Japan on the loss of lives, homes destroyed, we sympathized and concern to the families who lost their closed family members, relatives and friends, we understand the anxiety and agony for the missing, the burden of pain is beyond imagination.

She agrees with the government that it's time we extend our helping hands, to give assistance, offer our emotional and moral support, so that it makes it easier for them to brace through the challenges and sustain a high spirit to recover from these nightmares and hardship.

"The explosions of the Nuclear Plant in Fukushima, Japan have added more fear and anxiety to the people in the region on their safety and we pray that the matter will be resolved successfully so as to avert any possible disastrous aftermath.

"In the line of these devastation, we have much to learn from Japan on the efficiency of their authorities to combat the disaster, their strong social culture, their strong family and community ties, and the discipline of the people, the readiness of the people to face these emergencies.

"The recent visits to the DIET members of parliament (MP) by a delegation of 28 Malaysian Parliamentarians during our peace mission to Japan organised by UPF (universal peace federation ) were well received and fruitful. We are concerned that we have lost communication with the UPF Japan after the disaster and pray that they are safe and well.

WE FROM THE DELEGATION THE UPF WOULD LIKE TO CONVEY OUR SINCERE ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES, THE INFRASTRUCTURES AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

"We are also saddened by threats faced by the people at the FUKUSHIMA nuclear plant explosions and also urged the relevant ministries and authorities to keep the Malaysian public inform on the contagious effect of the possible nuclear particles to Malaysia and food security.

She also would like to urge the Ministry of Energy, green technology and water to ABOLISH the building of the nuclear power plant in Malaysia especially in Sabah. She urge the Ministry to take hints from Germany whom had just announced its closed down of 7 nuclear power plants, Austria also object to building of this source of energy. I am confident that we can resolve to many other alternative renewable energy in Malaysia if we are for sighted enough for the benefits of our children and grand-children.

"The people of Sabah are worried and wanted to know whether the government has any policy in term of resources , training especially on disaster management in tackling radiation risks from a foreign country because Sabah is very near the neighboring Bataan nuclear power plant near Manila , Philippines and also many in China.

With this, she supported the motion of the resolutions.

Kota Kinabalu officially joins Earth Hour

(Source: The Borneo Post -by Nancy Lai)
March 18, 2011, Friday



(GOOD INITIATIVE... Masidi (fourth left), City Hall Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir (fourth right), City Hall Director General Datuk Yeo Boon Hai, Rizal and members of the organising committee giving their 'thumbs-up" to the Earth Hour initiative. Photo souce:TheBorneoPost)

KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu will officially participate in the Earth Hour 2011 Campaign to show its support and concern towards climate change.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and the Sabah Environment Action Council, together with Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, would lead the way by switching off non-essential lights for an hour on March 26, between 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

“In Sabah, Earth Hour will be practised for the third time. But this year, DBKK will be taking part in this campaign officially for the first time and will switch off more than 500 of its street lights for an hour, in support of this campaign,” he said at a press conference about the global event which will be observed on March 26. The areas involved will be City Hall’s Central Business District and the Jalan Tun Fuad all the way to Menara Tun Mustapha.

This effort reflects the Government’s seriousness in addressing the global climate changes, he said, adding that so far 188 individuals and 23 organisations have pledged their support to Earth Hour.

Masidi hopes that more local authorities will emulate City Hall and pledge their support to Earth Hour and the same goes to individuals as well as organisations in the state.

Those interested can register themselves through City Hall’s website, www.dbkk.sabah.gov.my or call the Earth Hour Secretariat at 088-244000 extension 422.

“Apart from that, DBKK will be organising a photography competition involving Kota Kinabalu, before and during Earth Hour.

“This is a good way to document society’s involvement in the campaign through the camera lens while instilling appreciation towards the environment,” he said and announced that the cash prizes will be doubled much to the delight of the organisers.

Winner of the photography competition will receive RM2,000 while the second and third place winners will receive RM1,500 and RM1,000 respectively. There will also be five consolation prizes of RM200 each and all the winners will also receive a certificate.

EAC has also allocated RM5,000 to SM All Saints in Likas to implement a power-saving campaign in conjunction with Earh Hour. Among the activities planned are a song composing contest, mural drawing and electricity saving contest among the students’ parents, teachers and school staff.

Those participating in the contest will submit copies of their electricity bill to the school management and those who manage to reduce their bill by a minimum of 10 per cent will be eligible for a prize.

“This is a very good programme and I think we can consider giving incentives to those who manage to reduce their electricity bill by more than 10 per cent,” he said, adding that the campaign was in an experimental stage and if successful, could be considered to be expanded to other schools in the state.

Masidi urged more Sabahans to adopt a sustainable lifestyle by discarding old habits and adopting new ones such as recycling, reducing use of electricity, compositing among others.

“Easy things like saving electrical usage, choosing energy-saving appliances, using public transportation and recycling items can make a difference to the environment,” he said.

He also pointed out that being in the dark for an hour during Earth Hour was not enough to change or impact global climate.

It was the message to rejuvenate the environment and reduce carbon footprints that needed to be spread to societies across the globe, he added.

“As individuals, we can play a role in reducing greenhouse emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane that contribute to increased global temperature, and by re-evaluating our lifestyles.

“Let us take it beyond the one hour and play our part in living a sustainable lifestyle,” he stressed.

Masidi also congratulated the Gaya Teachers Training College which is a member of the Sabah Environment Education Network (SEEN) for taking a proactive step towards reducing electricity use on its premises.

The six-month campaign from April to October last year saw the college’s electricity bill reduced by 35 per cent and saving RM55,747.15, Masidi said.

“This proves that we can save electricity by changing our lifestyle and attitude,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu general manager Rizal Ruriko Kasim said the hotel’s newly renovated pool area would be used as the venue for observing Earth Hour which is also observed by Global Hyatt worldwide.

It starts off with the lights being switched off at 8.30pm sharp and during that one hour, a video produced by WWF about the Earth Hour initiative will be shown to those who turn up in support of the event.

“We, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, show our support by being the venue and integrate whatever programmes City Hall and EAC have lined up,” he said.

Tawau MP objects to nuclear energy power plants

(Source:The Borneo Post)

Posted on March 19, 2011, Saturday

TAWAU: Tawau member of parliament Datuk Chua Soon Bui has expressed strong objection to the building of nuclear energy power plants in any part of Malaysia, especially in Sabah, after learning the lessons from the recent devastation of the nuclear power plants in Fukushima, Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami recently.

Chua said members of parliament had been given a briefing by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water on the proposed building of a nuclear power plant in Malaysia by 2021.

“Korea and Japan have utilised nuclear energy for over 50 years with little alternative energy sources. Both countries have exhibited excellent work culture, good work attitude, high technology and highly skilled human resources required by nuclear technology.

“At a time when the risk of radiation occurs due to the explosions of the nuclear power plants, 50 skilled technicians have voluntarily opted to guard the plants.

“They have sacrificed their lives for the survival and benefit of the Japanese people. They risk exposure to radiation with the possibly of death within two weeks.

“This is the culture of patriotism at its highest, a sense of loyalty to their emperor and country. In their attempt to contain the devastation, we have also witnessed the readiness of the government in disaster management and the readiness of the people to face the effects of the disaster without power, water and food,” Chua said yesterday.

According to her, Malaysia still has abundant natural resources and should start to plan for sustainable renewal energy production now before it gets too late.

The government has changed the name of the ministry to what it is now, and our Prime Minister and the government’s commitment speaks volume in the effort to reduce GHG (green house gas).

The abrogated plan to install a coal power plant at Sinakut, Lahad Datu on the other hand reflected the government’s tendency to bulldoze through development without considering the impact on the environment nor the interest of the people.

Chua was also given to understand that about 40 per cent of solar glass panels and some of the storage voltages cells in the world market were manufactured in Malaysia.

“That gives us all the more reasons for Malaysia to work on solar power plant or integrated power production,” she said.

“Although I have received a reply from the ministry to say that it would be too expensive to build but we should consider the long-term benefit it could bring to the country as solar power is free. We should also work on other sustainable energy sources such as biomass or methane gas from oil palm mills,” she added.

Taking the hint from Germany which had closed down seven of their nuclear power plants, Chua reiterated that she would object to any nuclear energy power plant to be built in Malaysia.

Nuclear accidents and energy policy

Datuk Yong Teck Lee-SAPP President
(Photo source: from Sapp official website)

"At the moment, the Malaysian government has no guidelines on precautions to be taken by citizens in the event of a regional nuclear accident. I doubt whether the authorities and the medical services have the resources, training and disaster management capabilities in tackling radiation risks coming from a foreign country."said Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee

(Sources: SAPP official website)

Kota Kinabalu, March 16, 2011: Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President Datuk Yong Teck Lee, said with so much negative publicity generated by the Japanese Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants in the aftermath of the earth quake and tsunami, it is has become highly unlikely that the Malaysian government will proceed with any final decision to build nuclear power plants for the foreseeable future.

"However, we should be concerned about other nuclear plants which are dangerously near to Sabah should a nuclear accident happen. For instance, the Philippines's Bataan Nuclear Plant near Manila. This Bataan plant is being mothballed but might be rehabilitated as the Philippines is running out of energy options. There are also several nuclear plants in Guangdong and other parts of Southern China.

"At the moment, the Malaysian government has no guidelines on precautions to be taken by citizens in the event of a regional nuclear accident. I doubt whether the authorities and the medical services have the resources, training and disaster management capabilities in tackling radiation risks coming a foreign country.

"Japan, China and other countries have little options for their energy needs. That is why they go nuclear.

"But Malaysia has the Four-Fuel strategy of using oil, hydropower, coal and natural gas. In the case of Sabah, it is very sad that we are still without an energy policy.

"Oil fuels have become prohibitively expensive, coal has been rejected and hydro power projects are not getting anywhere. The only viable option left is natural gas. But we are not allowed to use our natural gas because the gas is exported via Bintulu to give billions of ringgit in profit to Petronas. This is economic exploitation, pure and simple.

"Natural gas remains our most viable option for the next decade supported by bio-mass, mini-hydros and other sustainable energy sources. But Sabah wasted precious three years debating about the controversial coal power plant. Without any further delay, the government must commit itself to building a natural gas pipeline from Kinamis to Sandakan.

"Or else Sabahans will be condemned to suffer electric power shortages and high electric tariffs." 

Malaysia should learn from Japan & focus on Safer Energy Supply-by Charles Santiago

"Japan has had 60 years of experience with nuclear power,yet there has still been a history of accidents. Malaysia should learn from the lesson and use a more safer plan instead of propose NUKE Plan"

(Source:post by Charles Santiago-MP for Klang on March 14,2011)

Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Peter Chin yesterday indicated that Malaysia’s plan to build two nuclear power plants will proceed despite the nuclear emergency and meltdown in Japan.

He suggested that the “government will not do it secretly without informing the public”.

The Minister’s response comes two days after what is considered as the worst nuclear emergency involving a nuclear power plant since the Chernobyl disaster 25 years ago.

The tragedy surrounding the 11th March 2011 tsunami in Japan also signals a warning about the dangers of nuclear energy. Following the earthquake and tsunami, several Japanese nuclear power plants are in a state of emergency.

The New York Times reports that partial meltdowns had occurred at two crippled reactors and indicated possibilities of a second explosion. Four more reactors are facing serious cooling problems.

Japan declared a nuclear emergency when one reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant

Fukushima Daiichi 1, has experienced a partial meltdown and explosion.

Fukushima is one of the 25 largest nuclear power stations in the world.

The ongoing crisis at the Fukushima 1 nuclear power plant in Futuba, just 150 miles north of Tokyo, suggests that nuclear plants pose a tremendous risk to the public and environment, even with safety protocols and management expertise designed to handle natural disasters.

Japan has had nearly 60 years of experience with nuclear power, yet there has still been a history of accidents. In 1999, there was a major accident at Tokaimura where a nuclear fuel-enrichment facility had an out-of-control reaction, leading to radiation leakage affecting hundreds of people and crippling the local agriculture industry.

If a country with as much expertise and experience as Japan can fall foul of nuclear accidents, then Malaysia should not go nuclear as the risks and costs of failure are too great.

The problem with nuclear power, compared to all other sources of electricity, is that if and when things do go wrong, the consequences are far, far worse. No problem can occur at a solar power plant that can lead to 200,000 residents having to flee for safety beyond a 10 km radius. This is what happened this weekend in Japan as Fukushima went out of control.

The Japanese government has ordered the largest mobilization of their Self-Defense Forces since World War II to assist in the relief effort.

In the Fukushima case, ironically, the earthquake knocked out the station’s own electricity supply, leaving the pumps unable to supply coolant to the reactor. The backup diesel generator was also knocked out by the waters of the tsunami.

A nuclear reactor is like a giant pressurised water boiler, it requires vast quantities of water to cool the reactor, which is why nuclear plants are usually next to rivers or the sea.

However, this leaves them vulnerable to water-related disasters such as tsunamis, floods and storm surges, or even droughts. Location near water also means that any pollution can quickly spread to other areas.

Malaysia sees more than its fair share of flood-related disasters. Any nuclear plant built locally could well suffer a similar problem.

The misfortune at the Fukushima plant has resulted in radiation levels 1,000-times the normal level in the control room and eight times over normal immediately outside.

Experts have already expressed concern that there is a possibility of a hydrogen explosion following further meltdown, and the culture of secrecy prevalent in the local political system – a culture the Barisan Nasional government shares – may make it hard to figure out what has gone wrong.

Japan has already suffered the scandal of the 1995 Monju plant leak that was covered up by the government-linked agency managing it.

Radioactive poisoning of the local population and environment is but one problem. The other is the economic cost of such disasters. Not only could a power plant worth billions be rendered so contaminated as to be useless, a surrounding 20 km area could also be left unfit for human use.

Furthermore, under Malaysia’s atomic energy law, nuclear plant operators are not liable for any damage resulting from natural disasters.

Japan embarked on nuclear energy because they lacked domestic fossil fuel alternatives, and because their industrialisation took place well before renewable energies such as solar power were widely available.

Malaysia has no such excuse as we have oil, gas, biomass, hydro resources, and abundant sunshine; not to mention that we are now set to be the world’s number three producer of solar cells.

26 April marks the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. This anniversary and the events in Japan should be a reminder that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Malaysia should exercise wisdom, forego nuclear, and pursue safer, cleaner and healthier forms of energy supply.

Thus, I call upon Minister Peter Chin to abandon all ideas to continue with the nuclear adventure.


Charles Santiago

Member of Parliament, Klang.

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Gugur Idea Nuklear called by Charles Santiago MP Klang
(Source: TVSelangor)



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Third blast heard at Japan nuclear plant - authorities
(source: at RT new - rt.com)

Malaysia urges residents to avoid coastal areas

Hope to provide more information or relevant links in this topic here to help more people keep alerting about current natural disaster like tsunami and eartquakes thus with precaution as far if possible to save more life!

(Would like to thank all parties and news media for their efforts and contribution) 

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Malaysia urges residents to avoid coastal areas
Malaysia on Friday urged residents of Borneo island to stay away from coastal areas following a huge earthquake off Japan, but said the country did not face the threat of a tsunami.
"Rough seas and high sea level are expected near Labuan and Sabah between 6:00 pm and midnight (1000-1600 GMT)," the Meteorological Department said, referring to the eastern state on Malaysian Borneo.

It said no tsunami warning had been issued for Malaysia and it would continue to monitor the situation.

A huge 8.9-magnitude earthquake rocked Japan on Friday, sending a 10-metre (33-foot) high tsunami slamming into its Pacific coastline.

It triggered tsunami warnings across the Pacific Ocean.
(Source: Malaysia MSN news) on March 11,2011


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2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami


A massive 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan at around 2:46pm on March 11 (JST) causing damage with blackouts, fire and tsunami. On this page we are providing the information regarding the disaster and damage with realtime updates.

The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific ocean.


Local Japan Emergency dials:
171 + 1 + line phone number to leave a message
171 + 2 + line phone number to listen to the message

(Source: Google/Google Crisis Response-a google.org project)

Also, get information monitoring through
Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre by NOAA's National Weather Service


(Photo by courtesy from ptwc.weather.gov)

Earth Hour evolves beyond the hour, beyond the light switch

Join everyone to save The Earth at beyond the hour,thank you

This I will do on Sat 26 March 2011 between 0830PM-0930PM

http://www.beyondthehour.org/#/Act/77187/ 

what about you?

( Sources: Earthhour official website & Earthhourblog )

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2011: 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March. This Earth Hour, go beyond the hour with a commitment to a positive action for the planet and celebrate that commitment with the people of the world by switching off your lights for Earth Hour 2011.

From its inception as a single-city initiative – Sydney, Australia - in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global symbol of hope and movement for change. Earth Hour 2010 created history as the world’s largest ever voluntary action with people, businesses and governments in 128 countries across every continent coming together to celebrate an unambiguous commitment to the one thing that unites us all – the planet.

Sign up to earthhour.org, switch off your lights for Earth Hour 2011, and share the positive actions you will sustain for earth beyond the hour.

Connect with Earth Hour
Twitter: http://twitter.com/earthhour
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/earthhour
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/earthhour
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/earthhour_global
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Earth Hour evolves beyond the hour, beyond the light switch

High profile and individual actions across the globe unveiled at global launch of 'Beyond the Hour'.

Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley, today announced a series of high profile and individual environmental actions, and a new dynamic online platform, to mark the global launch for Earth Hour, Beyond the Hour.

Beyond the Hour marks the start of a new phase for the Earth Hour movement. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world took part in Earth Hour, but switching off the lights was only the beginning. This year Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

Jim Leape, Director General of WWF, who addressed media at the launch said: “The challenges that face our planet are immense, but never underestimate the possibility for change when we face these challenges with true common purpose. Hundreds of millions of people around the globe have given us a glimpse of what is possible. It is now time to go beyond the hour and show what can be done - by the people for the planet."

(WWF Director General Jim Leape with Pocoyo and a WWF Panda - image courtesy of Michelle Corsi)

An online platform http://www.beyondthehour.org/ that captures and allows individuals, governments and organisations across the globe to share their actions, will act as the tool to showcase and inspire commitments to protect the one thing we all have in common – the planet.

“The Beyond the Hour platform has been built with social media at its core,” Ridley said. “Social media will play a crucial role for Earth Hour 2011, allowing us to connect with millions of people who are committed to taking lasting action for the planet.” 

The platform, created with Leo Burnett, is translated into 11 languages, and integrated with most major social networks including: Facebook, Twitter, Mixi, Myspace, Odnoklassniki, Cloob, Orkut, Qzone, RenRen, Vkontakte, Maktoob, Skyrock, Xing, and Zing. Over 1,000 actions have already been shared on the dynamic online platform.

“Everyone has the power to make change: a CEO can change an organisation, a 7-year-old can change a classroom, and a president can change a country. What we are announcing today is just the beginning,” Ridley said. “It is through the collective action of individuals and organisations that we will be able to truly make a difference, which is why we are urging people across the planet to share how they will go beyond the hour this Earth Hour.”

Actions announced at today’s global launch included the following high-profile and individual commitments:

The Government of Nepal has made a commitment to put a complete stop to tree-felling in the Churiya Range, a vital ecological and sociological forest area spanning around 6,500 sq km.

Pocoyo, an animated TV series, will reach out to its millions of preschool-aged fans across the globe over the next year, fostering “Learning through Laughter,” utilising humour and learning to inform children about environmental issues.

Nathi Mzileni, a 15-year-old boy from Swaziland, was inspired to take action in 2010 when he realised his town did not participate in Earth Hour. He started a group at his High School called Green Enviro to educate people about climate change, and this year will single-handedly make Earth Hour a reality in his town of Shimunye, Swaziland.

Mengniu Dairy (Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Co., Ltd.): the Chinese dairy company is doubling the number of milk cartons it recycles and increasing its use of FSC-certified packaging.

Li Bingbing, the Chinese acting/singing sensation, has committed to being vegetarian for 100 days this year, in order to reduce the carbon dioxide emissions caused in the cycle of meat production and consumption.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore MP, has committed to: another six separated cycleways, installing LED lights in parks and streets, and endorsing a tri-generation plant to provide low carbon energy.

Chloe Nicol, a 7-year-old girl from Australia, is guiding her school to increase recycling and reduce energy waste. The school now also shuts their blinds instead of using air-conditioning to cool the rooms.

Parrys Raines, a 15-year-old Australian girl, has convinced her school to install water filling stations and provide each student and teacher with a reusable stainless steel drinking bottle to reduce plastic bottle waste.

CB Richard Ellis is going beyond the hour in 2011 by aiming to exceed their previous year’s record of more than 254 million square feet of real estate participating in Earth Hour, as well as making available events and activities for employee participation each month (Earth Hour, Earth Day, Green Building Day, Climate Week etc.)

Credit Suisse AG became carbon neutral in 2010 through its global 'Credit Suisse Cares for Climate' initiative. This year, as well as sponsoring Earth Hour Singapore, Credit Suisse will continue to go 'Beyond the Hour' by sending staff to a Brazilian forest reserve to support field research into the effects of climate change.

Power98FM will ensure all lights, computers and equipment will be switched off in studios when not in use, and continue to actively support WWF initiatives.

Singaporean pop duo Jack and Rai: Jack has switched to a more efficient air-conditioning system, and committed to setting the temperature at 24 degrees Celsius. Rai will watch less TV, play less video games, and play more acoustic guitar to reduce his energy usage.

Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore has committed to replacing the light bulbs in all of its 504 guest rooms to energy-efficient LED bulbs.

Wasim Akram (Pakistan cricket legend) has made a personal commitment to stop using plastic bags, to recycle and reuse, and to use his high profile to promote and encourage the same behaviour throughout Pakistan and the rest of the world.