Radiation Leak at Factory in Selangor

PRESS STATEMENT by YB R Sivarasa




I read with much concern the Bernama report yesterday of the statement issued by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, on the radioactive contamination detected by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB ) in a factory in Selangor.



The statement said, amongst others, "the radiation reading on one of the workers exceeded more than 400 times the normal reading” and that AELB found that the reading at the factory was more than 100 times the normal reading.



Although the statement claims that the four workers have gone through the decontamination process and that the premises have been sealed, this is just not reassuring enough to the public.



In the light of the LYNAS issue, the transparency of the government on this matter is of utmost importance and be made top priority if they are indeed practicing “Rakyat didahulukan”.



Why did the government withhold information on this radiation leak for almost 2 weeks? This incident came to light on 2nd June 2011 when 4 workers from the factory were detected with high radiation levels after they had gone to the AELB office. However it was only on the 15thJune 2011 that the Minister released his short statement. By not being transparent immediately about this event, the BN Government is showing its disdain for the health and safety of Malaysians especially the people of Selangor.



By only releasing part of the information and only now, the BN Government has possibly jeopardized the health and safety of our citizens. This is irresponsible of the Minister who must take all responsibility for any consequences resulting from hiding the facts from the rakyat.



I demand that Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili immediately release full information including the name, location and nature of business of the factory involved. The Minister should also disclose the type of radiation involved, half-life etc and all other relevant facts. How did the mishap happen? What went wrong? Is there radiation still leaking? This is absolutely necessary to allay the fears of the public and to prevent unhealthy speculation by them.



Further to this the Minister must also make public all reports and results of the investigations that have been carried out. We must also be informed as to how the Ministry intends to ensure that such a mishap does not happen again.





YB R Sivarasa, Member of Parliamen for Subang



Member of the Political Bureau of Parti Keadilan Rakyat



Member of the Central Leadership Council of Parti Keadilan Rakyat.