Latest news with #AtomicEnergyBill
The Sun
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia to table Atomic Bill amendments
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is stepping up its push into nuclear energy, as the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) prepares to propose key amendments to the Atomic Energy Bill – a move aimed at reinforcing the nation's nuclear regulatory framework. Minister Chang Lih Kang said the move reflects Malaysia's commitment to exploring nuclear as a future energy source, alongside early progress in thorium (a radioactive metallic element) extraction. 'A pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy has been completed. Initial findings show strong potential for Malaysia to pursue this path,' he said in response to Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN). Following the study, six technical task forces were proposed – three of which are led by Mosti. They focus on technology and industrial development, nuclear skills and expertise and the legal-regulatory structure. Chang also previously confirmed that the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 will be amended to support the next phase of development. Malaysia currently has 323 research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers at the Atomic Energy Department. Of these, 61 hold qualifications in nuclear science or engineering. 'This reflects our commitment to developing local talent to support safe and responsible use of nuclear technology.' Chang said international cooperation is also a core strategy. He said Malaysia is working closely with global agencies on technical training, joint research, technology transfer and capacity building nuclear science. 'On July 10, we signed a strategic civil nuclear agreement with the United States. This is a major catalyst for long-term collaboration on Malaysia's civil nuclear ambitions.' Malaysia is also pursuing similar partnerships with China and Russia to build capacity in nuclear power generation. 'The partnerships will give us access to cutting-edge expertise, proven technologies and best practices, which are critical for building our infrastructure and local industry.' Chang added that Malaysia collaborates with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation to detect nuclear weapons tests and use scientific data for natural disaster monitoring, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Malaysia also maintains strong ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency through technical cooperation, regional agreements and research collaborations under the Asian Nuclear Cooperation Forum. Beyond power generation, Chang said nuclear technology is already being used to tackle environmental and climate challenges.
New Straits Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to amend atomic law to explore nuclear energy
KUALA LUMPUR: The bill to amend Malaysia's atomic energy legislation may be tabled in the current parliamentary session, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang said the move to enact the law would reflect Malaysia's commitment to exploring nuclear energy as a future energy source. "The ministry is currently in the process of amending the Atomic Energy Bill. If we receive Cabinet approval, we hope to table it during this session," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. On March 10, Chang said that the government will be amending the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 to further strengthen the legal infrastructure dealing with nuclear technology. At the time, the government was engaging with stakeholders to gather input before moving forward with the use of nuclear technology as an energy source, which is expected to be incorporated into the 13th Malaysia Plan. Chang, in Parliament today, said Malaysia has the laboratory expertise to extract thorium, but lacks the research and development capacity to utilise the element as a source of electricity — unlike countries such as China. "We are enhancing our research and development capabilities through collaboration with nations that have expertise, such as China, Russia, India and the United States," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN–Kuala Terengganu). Chang said that a pre-feasibility study conducted by a committee under the ministry had been completed, with preliminary findings indicating that Malaysia has significant potential to adopt nuclear technology as an energy source.
