[en] This research shows how the operations and methods of measurement utilized at the radionuclide monitoring stations. In addition, this paper will demonstrate the process on detecting radionuclides in environment during normal condition instead of emergency such as nuclear power plant accident. (author)

[en] Malaysian Nuclear Agency as the CTBT National Agency has developed a radionuclide monitoring station (RN42) in Tanah Rata Meteorological Station site, Meteorological Department (MMD), Cameron Highlands, Pahang. The main function of the station is to detect radioactive particles resulting from any nuclear explosion activity and also to meet the demands and the provision of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty on Nuclear Weapons This station has very sensitive equipment and able to detect radioactive dust particles at low level. The station is equipped with high volume air sampler. RN42 CTBT radionuclide monitoring station began to play an important role in detecting the presence of radioactive especially for our country during the nuclear incident occurred in Fukushima, Japan. (author)

[en] The main purpose of this study is to test the repeatability of nano dot OSLD using Co-60 source of gamma rays with energy of 1250 keV. This study was carried out by performing the process of irradiation-reading-annealing repeatedly and the reading process repeatedly without anneal. This study is also to ensure that the ratio of measured dose over the dose given is in the range of -30 % to +50 % as suggested by ICRP (1997). This study used Co-60 gamma source and the distance between the chips and the gamma source is 5.0 m. For the repeatability test of reading-without annealing, the measured dose of the chips was read 100 times and not annealed in 3 days. For the repeatability test of irradiation-reading-annealing, the measured dose was read and annealed 20 times on different days. The measured dose from both tests will be analyzed and plotted into a graph of trumpet curve as suggested by ICRP (1997). (author)

[en] The concentration of radon and thoron in water in the vicinity of Lynas Plant in Gebeng Industrial Estate (GIE), Pahang has been measured. The measurements involved surface water and ground water. The water samples have been collected at waste water discharge point, small stream, river and boreholes. The measurements were performed onsite. The results of the measurements showed that the radon concentrations in all types of water were low. The mean radon concentrations in discharge water, surface water and ground water were 0.13 Bq/ L, 0.55 Bq/ L and 1.46 Bq/ L respectively. These values were very far lower than reference level for drinking water set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for example, 100 Bq/ L. There was no thoron detected in all water samples. The effective dose from drinking water containing radon around GIE was very low for example, 1.7 μSv/ y. The public only received dose from natural sources. Lynas operation did not enhance radon activity in water around GIE. (author)

[en] Oil and gas industry is a major contributor to the nation economy. Oil sludge and scales produced during production contain enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM).All the oil sludge and scales are temporarily stored at the crude oil terminal premise. Sludge and scales are under the jurisdiction of Department of Environment (DOE) and Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).AELB has issued a guideline regarding the disposal of sludge and scales as in (LEM/TEK/30, 1996). In this guideline, Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA) should be carried out on all proposed disposals and demonstrate that no member of public will be exposed to more than 1 mSv/y. Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) has the expertise and capability to conduct the RIA. Nuclear Malaysia has been conducting RIA for local and international oil and gas companies operated in Malaysia. Recently, AELB has issued code of practice on radiation protection for oil and gas industry (LEM/TEK/58, 2009). In this code of practice, RIA shall be conducted to assess the dose received by a critical group of public as a result of the disposal of oil sludge and scale higher than 3 Bq/g Total Activity Concentration (TAC). For exemption by AELB, the RIA calculated dose shall not exceed 0.3 mSv/y. (author)

[en] Concentration of radon in hot springs in some areas of the Peninsula Malaysia has been measured. Measurements were performed at the sampling site using monitor radon/ toron model RTM1688-2. The measurement results show the average radon concentration is 5.3 Bq/ L (range 0.1 - 15.8 Bq / L). These values are much more lower than the reference level for drinking water recommended by the Organization World Health (WHO) which is 100 Bq/ L. If the user drinks that water contains radon of 500 L/ year, the average effective dose received is still low at 9.3 μSv/ year (range 0.2 - 27.7 μSv/ year). (author)

[en] This study aims to assess radon/ thoron concentrations and the potential risks of exposure to the public from the Lynas rare-earth processing plant operation in the Gebeng Industrial Estate (GIE), Pahang. The concentrations of radon and thoron in air and water (surface and ground) have been measured within a radius of 3 km from the plant. Based on the finding in this study, it can be concluded that the mean radon and thoron equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) in the GIE area were low for example, 6.5 and 2.5 Bq/ m³ respectively. These values were equivalent to values measured outside the GIE area. The mean radon concentration in water in the GIE area was about 1 Bq/ L which is very far below the WHO (2011) reference level for drinking water. There was no thoron detected in all sources of water around the GIE. Overall, there was no enhancement of radon/ thoron concentrations in air and water in the GIE due to activities carried out by Lynas. The public only received a dose from natural background radiation sources. The effective dose received by the public from exposure to radon/ thoron in air and water was 0.3 mSv/ y. The results indicated that no radiological hazard to the people living in the vicinity of the Lynas rare-earth processing plants. (author)

[en] The concentration of radon and toron children in the air around Lynas Advanced Material Plant, Gebeng industrial area, Kuantan Pahang was measured using continuous radon detectors. Measurements were performed at 20 locations during the day. Measurement results show that the environmental equilibrium concentration (EEC) of radon and toron children in the air is low, respectively, of 5.5 Bq/ m ³ and 1.8 Bq/ m 3, which is equivalent to the concentration of radon and thoron children in the other areas in Malaysia. The estimated dose of exposure to radon/ toron received by the public from environmental sources within the Gebeng industrial area is 0.2 mSv/ year. (author)

[en] Radiation mapping around the GGH was performed to review the area classification and to see the radiation level patterns before and after the repair work on the GGH shield dome. Radiation level measurements were performed 2 times before and after the repair work was done by a contractor supervised by the Center for Plant Development and Prototype (PDC). Radiation level measurements around GGH fences and parking areas. Implementation of the radiation level measurement results showed a significant change in the radiation level around the fence and GGH parking lot. Classification of this area should be done to meet the requirements of LEM/ TEK/ 65 Sem1 (2015). (author)

[en] Sludge and scales produced during oil and gas production contain enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). Sludge and scales are under the jurisdiction of Department of Environment (DOE) and also Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB). AELB has issued a guideline regarding the disposal of sludge and scales as in its guideline (LEM/TEK/30 SEM.2, 1996). In this guideline, Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA) should be carried out on all proposed disposals and has to demonstrate that no member of public will be exposed to more than 1 mSv/y. This paper presented RIA analysis using RESRAD computer code for the disposal of treated sludge. RESRAD (RESidual RADioactive) developed by Argonne National Laboratory is to estimate radiation doses and risks from residual radioactive materials. The dose received by the member of public is found to be well below the stipulated limit. (author)