Latest news with #ChangLihKang
The Sun
a day ago
- 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.
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- 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.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's nuclear energy push gains momentum with promising pre-feasibility study, says science minister
KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 — A pre-feasibility study on the use of nuclear energy as a primary energy source for the country has been completed, with preliminary findings indicating significant potential for this energy source in ensuring a stable, clean and reliable supply. The study, among other things, recommended the establishment of six technical task forces, with three under the responsibility of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), its minister Chang Lih Kang said. 'Three technical task forces have been entrusted to MOSTI, focusing on technology and industrial development, the development of nuclear competence and expertise, as well as the legal and regulatory framework,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng), who enquired whether Malaysia is ready to explore nuclear energy generation and the types of collaboration programmes established with international agencies related to nuclear science and technology. Chang said the government is exploring nuclear energy as one of the main options to ensure national energy sustainability through strategic cooperation between MOSTI and the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA). He said currently, Malaysia has 323 research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers at the Atomic Energy Department, serving in various fields of nuclear and related technologies. Meanwhile, Chang said Malaysia signed a Civil Nuclear Strategic Partnership agreement with the United States on July 10, serving as a catalyst for long-term cooperation in developing Malaysia's civil nuclear energy capabilities in a safe and responsible manner. 'This is one of the measures, in addition to a network of partnerships with China and Russia, to strengthen Malaysia's efforts in developing a well-planned nuclear energy generation programme,' he said. — Bernama
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia explores nuclear energy potential in pre-feasibility study
KUALA LUMPUR: A pre-feasibility study on the use of nuclear energy as a primary energy source for the country has been completed, with preliminary findings indicating significant potential for this energy source in ensuring a stable, clean and reliable supply. The study, among other things, recommended the establishment of six technical task forces, with three under the responsibility of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), its minister Chang Lih Kang said. 'Three technical task forces have been entrusted to MOSTI, focusing on technology and industrial development, the development of nuclear competence and expertise, as well as the legal and regulatory framework,' he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. He was responding to a question from Tan Kar Hing (PH-Gopeng), who enquired whether Malaysia is ready to explore nuclear energy generation and the types of collaboration programmes established with international agencies related to nuclear science and technology. Chang said the government is exploring nuclear energy as one of the main options to ensure national energy sustainability through strategic cooperation between MOSTI and the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA). He said currently, Malaysia has 323 research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers at the Atomic Energy Department, serving in various fields of nuclear and related technologies. Meanwhile, Chang said Malaysia signed a Civil Nuclear Strategic Partnership agreement with the United States on July 10, serving as a catalyst for long-term cooperation in developing Malaysia's civil nuclear energy capabilities in a safe and responsible manner. 'This is one of the measures, in addition to a network of partnerships with China and Russia, to strengthen Malaysia's efforts in developing a well-planned nuclear energy generation programme,' he said. - Bernama
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Malaysia moving closer to adopting nuclear energy, says minister
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Malaysia is working to amend its Atomic Energy Act to allow for the ratification of key international treaties and conventions under the IAEA. KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia is moving a step closer towards adopting nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy transition strategy, with the government having completed a pre-feasibility study on nuclear power. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the study's initial findings indicated that nuclear energy has 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 the ministry, focusing on technology and industry development, the development of nuclear competencies and a legal and regulatory framework,' he said in Parliament on July 30. According to him, the remaining three teams fall under the purview of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry. The country currently has 323 nuclear researchers under the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers under the Atomic Energy Department, with 61 of them holding qualifications in nuclear science and engineering, according to Mr Chang. 'This reflects the country's continued commitment to building local expertise to support the safe and responsible advancement of nuclear technology,' he said. He added that Malaysia was working to amend its Atomic Energy Act to allow for the ratification of key international treaties and conventions under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 'Once approved by 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. Mr 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 is also working closely with the IAEA through technical cooperation programmes, regional partnerships, the Asian Nuclear Cooperation Forum and coordinated research projects. Beyond power generation, nuclear technology was also being used in climate and environmental research, he said. 'This includes isotopic techniques for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, landslide management, ocean acidification and groundwater lifespan,' said Mr Chang. The IAEA recognises nuclear science as contributing to the 13th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on climate action, he added. In agriculture, Malaysia was also using nuclear-related techniques for plant mutation breeding to produce climate-resilient crops and to support disease control, he said. Responding to a question from Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim, Mr Chang acknowledged that Malaysia still needs to ratify several international treaties before advancing nuclear development. He said local lab-scale extraction projects have shown encouraging results on thorium research , though Malaysia has yet to begin research and development on thorium-based power generation. 'We are progressively upgrading our research capabilities and working with countries such as China, India, Russia and the United States that have advanced expertise in this area,' he said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
