It is a serious matter, say Netizens

KUALA LUMPUR: News of the alleged theft of a Radioactive Dispersal Device (RDD) that has been missing for more than 10 days sent shockwaves through the social media.

Netizens expressed their concerns, saying the RM75,000 device could have fallen into the wrong hands.

They swarmed the NST Online Facebook page, which posted the front-page exclusive report published by the New Straits Times on Monday, to alert their family and friends to the disappearance of the device.

They questioned if the respective company adopted maximum supervision when handling the device.

A Facebook user, Wong Yew

Hon, said device containing hazardous materials must be handled with care.

“Radioactive or hazardous materials should be handled with care with maximum supervision, but not sure (if) it was properly done in this case.”

Another social media user, Phang Fook Tow, urged the authorities to arrest and punish those responsible for the disappearance of the device.

“Someone must be held accountable.

“No more sweeping under the carpet, please.”

Bernard Ng also called on the authorities to retrieve the missing item.

“The authorities must figure out ways to handle this matter,” he said, adding that the device

could be used for the wrong reasons.

Social media user Hairamak Ron Itis described the disappearance of the RDD as a serious matter.

“The people should be informed of serious matters like this through news.

“This is dangerous,” he said. Jayasri Nahappan called on fellow Netizens to pray and hope that the missing device would not fall into the wrong hands.

It was reported that police had launched an investigation to locate the device belonging to a company that provides test, calibration and inspection services to the oil and gas industry, as well as power plants, manufacturing, automotive and transportation sectors.