Malaysia is hunting for a radioactive device which went missing from a pickup truck earlier this month.

Authorities say the radioactive substance inside the radiography device could spread dangerous contamination if dismantled improperly.

There are also fears it could be used as part of a weapon - a so-called dirty bomb - if it fell into the wrong hands.

The missing object is used in industrial radiography - it belonged to a firm that does tests, calibrations and inspections for oil and gas companies and other heavy industry firms.

The 23kg (50lbs) large metal tube contains the radioactive isotope iridium-192 which can cause radiation exposure or be used as a weapon if combined with a conventional explosive device.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, iridium-192 can cause permanent injury if handled for minutes to hours, and could be fatal if in close proximity for hours or days.

The Inspector-General of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said a similar incident happened last year and that there has been no information on that device either, the Bernama news agency reported.

Police and local media have detailed how the device was being carried on the back of a truck in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

There is speculation the device might either have been stolen or fallen off the pickup while driving.

A police official said an investigation had been launched without giving further details, local media reported.

Source: BBC Online

BDST: 1618 HRS, AUG 21, 2018
SI