Police urge public to stay calm over missing device
PETALING JAYA: The public are advised to remain calm over the missing 23kg radioactive dispersal device (RDD) as there is no cause for alarm, said Comm Datuk Mazlan Mansor.
Selangor’s top cop said his officers were working around the clock to recover the device as soon as possible amid public concerns over its disappearance.
“We are working closely with other agencies, including the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).
“We have the matter under control,” he said. He again assured the public that they had so far not established any links between the missing item and terrorism.
“Our investigations are still ongoing but there is no indication of a connection to terrorism as of now. We are exploring all angles, including negligence and foul play,” he said.
Comm Mazlan also reminded all companies to be extremely cautious in handling sensitive materials.
“The security for such materials must never be taken for granted.
“We hope such incidents will not recur in the future,” he said.
The device went missing as it was being transported from Seremban to Shah Alam on Aug 10.
The company that owns the RDD, which consists of a large metal tube with a handle, reportedly used it to detect cracks in metal as part of inspection protocols in the energy, power and transportation sectors.
The two technicians who were transporting the device were detained but released after their statements were recorded.
The duo, after completing their task in Seremban, reportedly loaded the device onto the back of their pick-up truck and left for their office in Shah Alam at 2am.
They found the device missing when they arrived an hour later. They claimed they did not stop on their journey back, and feared it could have fallen off the vehicle.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that photographs of the missing RDD have been distributed to recycling centres and scrap metal dealers in case the device was sold to them.
“We have told recycling centres and scrap metal dealers to inform the authorities if they come across the item,” said a source.
According to the AELB, the device, which contains 50 curies (unit of radioactivity) of Iridium-192, can cause health issues depending on the degree of exposure.
Anyone exposed with readings of around 50 curies and at around 120 minutes within a distance of 1m (without protection) will receive exposure levels as high as 500 millisievert (mSv).
Exposures around 500mSv will cause nausea and headaches. Any exposure above that can lead to burn injuries.
Those with information are urged to contact investigating officer Asst Supt Yong Meng Heng at 019-575 3399 or the nearest police station.