Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) is ready to enhance its personnel and equipment capabilities to face any eventualities following the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant in the country. JBPM Director-General Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad stated that the fire department has already been on standby in terms of basic training in radioactive exposure through established 17 Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response Teams involving a total of 429 personnel nationwide.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the technology for building nuclear plants and its fire prevention systems is now mature and subject to international standards and existing best practices. Nor Hisham emphasized the importance of the industry providing monitoring equipment such as dosimeters and detection devices to the fire station in proximity to the plant. This statement was made after he officiated the 2024 Fire Service Medal Awards ceremony.

Nor Hisham further explained that the level of internal safety of the reactor would depend on the site plan and the final design of the plant, with JBPM set to collaborate closely with relevant agencies to compile a comprehensive contingency plan.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has indicated that the government is exploring the possibility of implementing nuclear power projects in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah due to the high demand for stable energy supply in both regions. Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, noted that proximity to water sources such as rivers, the sea, or large lakes is among the key considerations in the ongoing feasibility study for the nuclear plant's cooling system.