Latest news with #AseanNetworkofRegulatoryBodiesonAtomicEnergy
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia's commitment to regional nuclear cooperation highlighted at Aseantom meeting
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is collaborating with its Asean partners to develop nuclear technology in the region, according to the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry. 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.
The Star
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia urges nuclear-weapon states to sign, ratify SEANWFZ protocol, says DPM Fadillah
JOHOR BARU: Malaysia has urged nuclear-weapon states to sign and ratify the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty without delay, calling it a vital pillar of regional peace, mutual trust and long-term security. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a strong and enforceable nuclear-weapon-free zone is crucial to maintaining stability and safeguarding the future of the region. "Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the SEANWFZ Treaty. We urge nuclear-weapon states to sign and ratify the Protocol without delay," he said when opening the 12th Annual Meeting of the Asean Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) here Monday (Aug 11). On nuclear energy, Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable and competitive electricity within Malaysia's future energy mix. The assessment, aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), is aimed at diversifying energy sources, strengthening long-term energy security, reducing carbon emissions and cutting dependence on fossil fuels. The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (Nepio), under MyPower Corporation, has been tasked with coordinating preparatory efforts in line with guidelines by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In a related development, Fadillah announced that the Atomic Energy Department of Malaysia will launch the Gamma Spectrometry Water Monitoring System (GSWMS) under the 12th Malaysia Plan, a technology designed to enhance the nation's capacity to detect and respond swiftly to any radiological threats in water sources. He also emphasised that the deployment of nuclear energy and advanced technologies must be supported by strong regulatory frameworks, rigorous safety protocols and transparent international cooperation. "Our cooperation under ASEANTOM is not merely technical, it is deeply strategic. It reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that atomic energy serves sustainable development, strengthens regional stability and secures the well-being of our future generations," he added. The two-day meeting gathers regulators from Asean member states, the IAEA and dialogue partners to discuss regional nuclear safety, security and safeguards. - Bernama
