Advancement in satellite technology important for country's development, disaster management - DPM

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- The advancement in satellite technology is important in bringing returns and further development to the country, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said today.

She said use of the technology could help in addressing major issues beyond human control such as disasters or untoward incidents.

"Incidents of natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods and catastrophes involving the loss of aircraft which had hit Malaysia, has given a new dimension to the needs of satellite technology in terms of management and operation.

"It is here that many people have come to realise that there is a need to understand, learn space science, as there are so many applications, including the use of satellite for disaster management," she said in her speech at the Silver Jubilee celebration of the National Planetarium here, tonight.

Minister of Energy, Technology, Science, Climate Change and Environment Yeo Bee Yin was also present.

The National Planetarium, established in 1994, was Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's idea as a launchpad for the country’s space exploration initiative.

Meanwhile, Dr Wan Azizah said the goals and objectives of the National Planetarium remain relevant until today.

"It is a responsible entity which has allowed Malaysia to explore the outer space.

"Although Malaysia at the time (in 1994) was just getting started with space science and the industry, some of the well-known achievements, including sending an astronaut to space and satellite launches, have become the early benchmarks of our capabilities," she added.

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-- BERNAMA