Malaysia's commitment to regional nuclear cooperation highlighted at Aseantom meeting
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Mohamad Yusof Apdal, said the country, as the chair of the Asean Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (Aseantom) this year, was committed to the peaceful use of nuclear technology.
"We have worked closely with Asean members to strengthen regional cooperation in ensuring the safe, secure, and peaceful use of nuclear technology to support sustainable development in our region.
"I am proud of the collective progress we have achieved through capacity-building programmes, technical exchanges and strategic initiatives that enhance our preparedness and resilience in the face of emerging challenges.
"None of these achievements would have been possible without your longstanding support and collaboration," he said in his speech during the closing ceremony of the 12th Aseantom annual meeting at a hotel here on Thursday (Aug 14).
At the ceremony here, Mohamad Yusof also witnessed the chairmanship handover of Aseantom to a representative from the Philippines.
"It is with great pleasure that I formally witness the handover of the Aseantom chairmanship to our esteemed colleagues from the Philippines.
"We have every confidence in your stewardship and vision, and we look forward to supporting you in continuing the important work of this network.
"Malaysia remains fully committed to Aseantom's shared goals and will continue to contribute actively as a dedicated member," he said.
Meanwhile, Philippines Nuclear Research Institute director Dr Carlo Abuando Arcilla said Malaysia's stewardship in the past year had been instrumental in advancing Aseantom's mission.
"As the incoming chair, the Philippines reaffirms its strong commitment to Aseantom's guiding principles and strategic objectives.
"We are fully dedicated to working with all member states, dialogue partners and Asean to sustain the momentum of our shared efforts and build upon the goals achieved over the past year," he said.
He added that the Philippines also recognised the importance of strengthening nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness, as well as deepening cooperation in nuclear security.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
3 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Community leaders report defamation of Head of State, minister to police
Banjimin and Jinori in front of Beaufort IPD after filing the report today. BEAUFORT (Aug 15): Two local leaders from Membakut filed police reports regarding a Facebook post linking Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Arif to the death of student Zara Qairina Mahathir. District Native Court chief Banjimin Ondoi Dulau and Deputy Chief 1 of PBS/STAR Membakut Division, Jinori Mikil, filed separate reports at the Beaufort District Police Headquarters (IPD) here today. They emphasized that the allegations in the post were entirely false, made without evidence, and clearly defamatory. Additionally, the claims attempted to tarnish the reputation of the individuals involved and the institution of TYT (Head of State), particularly the Governor of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman. Banjimin stated the post could incite the public, provoke unrest, and interfere with ongoing police investigations. 'The statement also threatens the safety and dignity of the victim's family and the slandered individuals,' he said. Jinori said he identified the post on a Facebook account on July 30, which alleged Mohd Arifin's child was involved in the incident. 'Mohd Arifin's child never attended the school in question. This accusation is completely untrue and could create negative public perception,' he explained. He urged authorities to investigate the Facebook account, which also claimed the student was the granddaughter of the Sabah Head of State and the child of Mohd Arifin. Both Banjimin and Jinori requested legal action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Sections 499–500 of the Penal Code (defamation) and Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace). They further called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to act against the account owner and those spreading the defamatory content. Besides the named account, they identified several others uploading identical content and have submitted details to relevant parties. The leaders hope all state and federal authorities, including cyber law enforcement agencies, will take appropriate measures to protect the reputation and safety of the slandered parties, especially concerning the dignity of state leaders and the institution of the Sabah Head of State.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia's role in Thai-Cambodia border talks shows depth of bilateral trust, says Thai Ambassador
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) and Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai (right) shake hands as Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gestures after talks on a possible ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia in Putrajaya, Malaysia, Monday, July 28, 2025. The AICHR workshops will use a case study simulation to explore practical applications of Asean's peace initiatives. - AP KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysia's role as facilitator in the recent Thai-Cambodia border negotiations is a testament to the trust and strength underpinning the bilateral partnership between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, Thailand's Ambassador to Malaysia, Lada Phumas, said. "The ceasefire agreement, followed by the extraordinary Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Aug 7, reflected not only Malaysia's constructive diplomacy but also Thailand's confidence in "a friend like Malaysia', she said. She made the remarks in her keynote address at the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue, held on Friday and co-hosted by the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia. On Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship, Lada pointed out that it presents a timely opportunity to advance regional priorities and strengthen Aseancentrality. "Asean remains our common platform and shield. With Malaysia leading in 2025, we have the chance to promote unity in diversity with people at its core,' she said. As Thailand's Asean Chairmanship in 2028 will follow the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027, Lada said this offers a strategic opportunity for both countries to coordinate more closely. "Together, we can ensure continuity in Asean's agenda, push forward connectivity projects, and deepen regional integration. We must also project a strong voice on the global stage to shape a prosperous future,' she added. On Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Dialogue, Lada said discussions are expected to help guide the development of the Thailand-Malaysia Strategic Vision 2027. She outlined three key areas of focus namely strengthening political trust through sustained dialogue, deepening economic resilience through trade, investment and innovation, and improving infrastructure and people-to-people mobility. "By completing physical and logistics infrastructure and enhancing digital and border linkages, we can future-proof our economies and empower border communities,' she said. Meanwhile, ISIS Malaysia Chairman Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah said building trust between Thailand and Cambodia will be a difficult but essential step following the border tensions. He said while ceasefires had taken place and efforts to develop more coherent monitoring mechanisms were ongoing, the path ahead remained susceptible to risks, especially if political will falters. He said Malaysia's role in easing tensions last month, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim with the support of other leaders, was far from routine, but driven by its commitment as Asean Chair and as a brotherly neighbour and friend to both Thailand and Cambodia "There may be reasons for us not to take the next steps together, but there is always a greater reason to move forward together, hand in hand,' he said. - Bernama
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand hold informal meeting in Kunming
KUNMING (Xinhua): The foreign ministers of China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand held an informal meeting in Anning, southwest China's Yunnan Province, on Friday, with all sides pledging to help maintain Myanmar's stability and jointly combat cross-border crimes. Since the first quadrilateral meeting last year, the situation in Myanmar has generally stabilized, and efforts are underway to advance post-earthquake reconstruction and safeguard its sovereignty, independence and national stability, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. He called for adhering to a "Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned" approach, supporting the choices of the Myanmar people, and resolving differences through dialogue. Wang stressed the importance of mediation by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and assistance from neighboring countries, with ASEAN serving as the main channel, while also giving full play to mechanisms like the Informal Foreign Ministers' Meeting and the Myanmar Neighboring Countries' Foreign Ministers' Meeting. He also urged prioritizing people's livelihoods and development, supporting Myanmar in improving people's well-being and post-quake reconstruction, and promoting cooperation in various fields for people's benefits, while warning against external forces that could undermine regional stability. Myanmar's Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe expressed gratitude for the support from China, Laos and Thailand in addressing challenges and reiterated Myanmar's commitment to advancing domestic peace and reconciliation process through political dialogue. He said Myanmar is actively preparing for transparent elections by year-end to return power to the people. Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane expressed his country's support for a "Myanmar-led, Myanmar-owned" political process and elections to achieve peace, stability and national reconciliation. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said Thailand is willing to work with other ASEAN countries to provide support and assistance for Myanmar to hold elections on the basis of the principle of non-interference in internal affairs. The four foreign ministers also exchanged views on joint efforts to combat cross-border crime. Wang emphasized that combating such crimes is related to people's well-being, represents a common concern of the four countries, and requires coordinated action. He called for strengthening institutional building, strengthening joint operations and border control, strengthening capacity building and judicial coordination, and strengthening transformative development and social governance. All parties agreed to deepen law enforcement cooperation, intensify efforts against cross-border crimes such as online gambling, telecom fraud, drug and arms trafficking and human trafficking, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. - Xinhua
