Latest news with #AseanNetworkofRegulatoryBodiesofAtomicEnergy
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Assessing nuclear energy needs
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is assessing the potential role of nuclear energy in its future power mix as part of efforts to ensure clean, stable and competitive electricity, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic). He said the government's review follows the presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and aims to diversify energy sources, strengthen long-term energy security, cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 'This is in line with our climate change commitments and growing energy needs,' Fadillah said when opening the 12th Asean Network of Regulatory Bodies of Atomic Energy (Aseantom) annual meeting here yesterday. Nuclear energy, alongside other advanced technologies, is drawing renewed interest as a low-carbon solution for nations seeking to diversify energy sources and cut emissions, he noted. Any future decision, however, will be based on comprehensive technical analysis, aligned with national development priorities and in full compliance with international obligations. MyPOWER Corporation, the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation, has been tasked with coordinating preparatory work according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, said Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister. The process involves technical committees across ministries, departments and agencies, and covers areas such as national positioning, legal and regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement and human capital development. On Aseantom, Fadillah said the meeting is a respected platform that brings together shared nuclear governance, capacity building and technical cooperation. 'This meeting takes place at a defining moment because around the world, the clean energy transition is accelerating, climate resilience is a pressing priority and emerging technologies are reshaping the energy landscape. 'As we explore next-generation nuclear technologies, our commitment to safety, security and safeguards must remain uncompromising,' he said. The five-day event gathered top representatives of atomic energy regulatory bodies from all Asean member states, along with dialogue partners such as Japan, South Korea and international organisations, including the IAEA. During the meeting, the government, through the Atomic Energy Department, signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Institute for Nuclear Security to strengthen international cooperation and capacity building in nuclear security. Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said that four Gamma Spectrometry Water Monitoring System units will be installed by year-end in Langkawi, Perhentian, Tioman and Bintulu to detect radiation in water sources. 'The devices will complement the existing unit already in operation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah,' he said, adding that the devices will enable early detection in the event of abnormal readings in the water. Chang said the system is not only being implemented in Malaysia, but also across Asean, with all units linked to allow regional monitoring.
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Nuclear energy assessment underway to boost future power mix, says Fadillah
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is examining the role of nuclear energy as a potential option for clean, stable and competitive electricity within the nation's future energy mix, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. The Deputy Prime Minister said the government is undertaking the structured assessment following the presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently. 'The initiative takes into account the need to diversify energy sources, strengthen long-term energy security, support carbon emission reduction targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 'This is in line with the country's climate change commitments and growing energy demand,' he said when officiating the 12th Asean Network of Regulatory Bodies of Atomic Energy (Aseantom) annual meeting at a hotel here on Monday (Aug 11). He added that the government's priority is to ensure that any future consideration is grounded in comprehensive technical analysis, aligned with national development priorities and in full compliance with international obligations. Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, noted that the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation, MyPower Corporation, has been tasked with coordinating preparatory efforts in accordance with the guidelines recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This preparatory phase is being implemented through a well-structured coordination framework, involving technical committees across ministries, departments and agencies, to ensure an integrated and comprehensive national approach, he said. Fadillah added that the implementation will follow the IAEA guidance and approach, covering aspects such as national positioning, legal and regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement and human resource development. 'Through Aseantom, our regulators have worked closely with the IAEA and partners to harmonise safety standards, strengthen emergency preparedness and invest in human capital. 'These efforts ensure our policies, licensing systems and responses are transparent, accountable and globally recognised,' he said. Fadillah also stressed that Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the South-East Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty. 'We urge nuclear-weapon states to sign and ratify the protocol without delay,' he said, adding that a strong, enforceable nuclear-weapon-free zone remains a vital pillar of regional peace, mutual trust and long-term security. The five-day Aseantom meeting brought together top representatives of atomic energy regulatory bodies from 10 Asean member states, along with dialogue partners such as Japan, South Korea and international organisations including the IAEA.
