Latest news with #MonalijaKostor
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia leads ASEAN radioactive smuggling drill in Johor Bahru
JOHOR BAHRU: Malaysia is set to lead a multinational field training exercise this week, simulating responses to radioactive and nuclear material smuggling across ASEAN borders. The Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025 will take place at Jeti Maritim in Gelang Patah, marking Malaysia's fourth hosting of the event. Deputy director-general of the Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia (Atom Malaysia) Monalija Kostor stated that the drill aims to strengthen regional coordination in detecting and intercepting illicit radioactive materials. 'After a seven-year gap, we are resuming the exercise with coverage of both land and sea borders, allowing a more comprehensive approach to preventing radioactive material smuggling,' she said during the launch. The exercise, held under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, involves simulated smuggling scenarios with four types of radioactive materials. Authorities will test detection equipment, communication systems, and emergency response protocols. Monalija emphasised the importance of regulatory oversight, warning that uncontrolled radioactive materials could pose terrorism and national security risks. A tabletop exercise will also assess regional preparedness for radiological incidents. The event includes participation from Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, reinforcing ASEAN's commitment to nuclear security. – Bernama
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia Conducts Cross-border Radioactive Smuggling Exercise With ASEAN Neighbours
JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 (Bernama) – Malaysia will conduct a field training exercise this Thursday with Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore to simulate a coordinated response to the cross-border smuggling of radioactive and nuclear materials. The drill, part of the Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025, will take place at Jeti Maritim in Gelang Patah. It marks the fourth MITSATOM exercise hosted by Malaysia following the last session in Sabah in 2018. Deputy director-general of the Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia (Atom Malaysia) Monalija Kostor said the exercise aims to test ASEAN countries' ability to detect and respond to nuclear incidents involving the Malaysia-Thailand and Malaysia-Singapore land borders, as well as the maritime border with Indonesia. "After a seven-year gap, we are resuming the exercise with coverage of both land and sea borders, allowing a more comprehensive approach to preventing radioactive material smuggling," she said at a press conference following the official launch of MITSATOM 2025 here today. Also present were Atom Malaysia director-general Noraishah Pungut and Johor State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin. Held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the exercise is led by Atom Malaysia in its role as Chair of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM), under the ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC). Monalija said the scenario involves the simulated smuggling of four types of radioactive materials, all of which will be intercepted and returned to the control of authorities. "These radioactive materials must be brought back under regulatory oversight to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Misuse could pose serious threats, including terrorism and national security risks,' she said. She added that the drill will also test detection equipment, communication systems, operational procedures and personnel readiness in real-world scenarios.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
15 radioactive smuggling cases detected yearly in Malaysia
JOHOR BAHRU: The Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia (Atom Malaysia) detects an average of 15 cases of radioactive smuggling each year, with Port Klang being the hotspot for such illegal activities. Deputy director-general Monalija Kostor revealed that materials like Cobalt-60 and Cesium-137 are frequently smuggled, often disguised as harmless goods. Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) installed at border checkpoints play a crucial role in intercepting these hazardous substances. Monalija explained that smugglers commonly mislabel radioactive materials as dairy products, toys, or textiles to evade detection. When radioactive substances are smuggled into Malaysia, they are sent back to their country of origin. However, if they are being exported illegally, the government seizes them and takes legal action. 'The court decides whether the items are forfeited. The government either retains them for proper disposal or returns them after imposing fines,' she said. Monalija emphasised the severity of such offences, as radioactive materials pose serious threats to public safety and national security. These substances are widely used in industries like oil and gas, plastics, and electronics. Smugglers often bypass regulations to cut costs or due to ignorance of the law. Atom Malaysia remains vigilant in enforcing strict controls to ensure all radioactive imports and exports comply with national regulations.
Malay Mail
10 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Atom says Malaysia sees around 15 cases of radioactive material smuggling yearly
JOHOR BARU, July 7 — The Department of Atomic Energy (Atom Malaysia) revealed today that it has successfully uncovered several attempts by a syndicate to smuggle in illegal radioactive materials using forged customs documents. The syndicate forged customs declaration forms that stated it was importing toys, dairy products or textiles as a cover for smuggling in the radioactive materials. Atom Malaysia deputy director-general Monalija Kostor said the syndicate's activities were recently uncovered after an inspection by the authorities. She said attempts to smuggle in the radioactive materials were carried out via land and sea routes, involving the national border areas, with an average of 15 such cases per year. 'The syndicate also attempted to smuggle in radioactive materials via Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang and through the entry point in Penang. 'However, the most frequent attempts occurred in Port Klang, Selangor, where the radioactive materials were declared as other items,' she told reporters after the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise, Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore 2025 (MITSATOM 2025) opening ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel here today. Present at the event were Atom Malaysia director-general Noraisha Pungut and Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin. Monalija said Atom Malaysia actively conducts radioactive material smuggling detection at Malaysian borders through the installation of Radiation Portal Monitors (RPM) at the respective entry points. 'Most of the radioactive materials are smuggled in from foreign countries, including some taken out of our own country without a licence. "This activity, which is carried out illegally without permission, can cause harm and be used by terrorists,' she said. Monalija explained that the radioactive materials were smuggled mainly for use in the oil and gas, electronics, research and medical industries. She added that such radioactive material, which is very dangerous when openly exposed, was smuggled to reduce the cost of legally importing the material. 'Legally importing radioactive material usually costs more than RM1 million and is dependent on the type of radioactive material. 'By smuggling these materials, the users aim to maximise their profits without realising the harmful public health effects and national security risks they pose,' she said.
Barnama
11 hours ago
- Barnama
15 Radioactive Smuggling Cases Detected Annually
JOHOR BAHRU, July 7 (Bernama) -- The Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia (Atom Malaysia) records an average of 15 radioactive smuggling attempts each year, with most incidents detected at Port Klang. Its deputy director-general Monalija Kostor said these cases typically involve radioactive materials such as Cobalt-60 and Cesium-137, which are detected through Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) installed at the country's land and sea border checkpoints. She said smugglers often attempt to conceal the materials by falsely declaring them as harmless goods. 'Many of these cases are recorded at Port Klang, a major import and export hub. Several containers were found carrying radioactive substances, though they were declared as items like dairy products, toys, or textiles,' she told a press conference following the opening ceremony of the Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025, held here today. Monalija said when radioactive materials are smuggled into Malaysia, they are returned to their country of origin, adding that if they are being smuggled out, the government seizes the materials and refers the case to court. 'The court will decide whether the items are to be forfeited. In such cases, the government either takes possession of the materials for proper management or returns them to the owner after a fine is imposed,' she said. She stressed that such offences are serious, as radioactive materials pose significant risks to public safety and national security. These materials are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, plastics, and electronics. According to Monalija, illegal smuggling is often driven by attempts to avoid regulatory costs or due to ignorance of legal requirements. 'Often, smuggling is done to cut costs or simply because they are unaware that radioactive materials are strictly regulated in Malaysia. Regardless, we will not tolerate such violations,' she said.
