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The Star

Malaysia powers up nuclear push

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is moving closer to adopting nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy transition strategy. Science, Technology and Inno­vation (Mosti) Minister Chang Lih Kang (pic) said a pre-feasibility study on nuclear power has been completed. He said the initial findings showed that nuclear energy had strong potential to serve as a stable, clean and reliable power source for the country. 'In line with this, six technical task forces have been proposed to support nuclear energy readiness. 'Three of these are under Mosti, focusing on technology and industry development, development of nuclear competencies and a legal and regulatory framework,' Chang told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The remaining three teams will fall under the purview of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, he said. Chang said the country now has 323 nuclear researchers under the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers under the Atomic Energy Department, holding qualifications in nuclear science and engineering. He said Malaysia was working to amend its Atomic Energy Act to enable the ratification of key international treaties and conventions under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 'Once approved by the Cabinet, we aim to table the amended Act in this Parliament session. 'This will demonstrate Malay­sia's seriousness in exploring nuclear energy as one of our power generation options,' he said. Chang also confirmed that Malaysia signed a strategic civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States on July 10, complementing its existing collaborations with China and Russia. 'The agreement will act as a catalyst for long-term cooperation in infrastructure development, joint research, technical training and local industry strengthening,' he added. He said Malaysia was also working closely with the IAEA through technical cooperation programmes, regional partnerships, the Asian Nuclear Coope­ration Forum and coordinated research projects. Beyond power generation, he said, nuclear technology is also being used in climate and environmental research.