27-05-2025
Nuklear Malaysia Launches Book On Technology In Plant Breeding At International Book Festival
GENERAL
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) today unveiled a scientific publication titled Teknologi Nuklear dalam Biak Baka Tanaman Hiasan (Nuclear Technology in Ornamental Plant Breeding) during the International Book Festival organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) here.
In a statement, the agency said the book forms part of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation's (MOSTI) efforts to raise public awareness of peaceful nuclear technology applications and to strengthen the nation's research and development ecosystem.
'The book focuses on the application of nuclear technology in agriculture, particularly mutation breeding techniques using radiation to develop new varieties of ornamental plants.
'This technology has been utilised in Malaysia for over three decades, successfully producing a variety of new plants that have contributed to the growth of the local floriculture industry,' the statement said.
The launch ceremony was officiated by MOSTI Deputy Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal and was attended by Nuklear Malaysia director-general Dr Rosli Darmawan.
In his speech, Mohammad Yusof underscored MOSTI's commitment to broadening the use of strategic technologies, including nuclear technology, across key economic sectors such as agriculture, industry, medicine and the environment.
'This initiative aligns with MOSTI's vision to position science and technology as the foundation of national progress, while promoting the peaceful and responsible application of nuclear technology in strategic sectors like agriculture,' he said.
He added that the effort is consistent with the National Nuclear Technology Policy (DTNN) 2030, which emphasises the safe and responsible development and utilisation of nuclear technology for the benefit of the nation and its people.
The agency highlighted that since the early 1990s, it has developed more than 30 mutant plant varieties, with about 60 per cent comprising flowering and landscaping ornamental plants.
