Malaysia Remains Committed To Safe, Peaceful Use Of Nuclear Technology - Chang

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains firmly committed to the peaceful use of nuclear technology, with safety, security and radiation protection serving as fundamental principles guiding its research, development and application.

Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia's approach to nuclear technology was guided by its commitment to the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone and the standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He said Malaysia had decades of experience in peaceful application of nuclear technology, particularly in nuclear medicine, food irradiation, industrial non-destructive testing, environmental radiation monitoring and radiation protection.

“Nuclear safety, nuclear security and radiation protection must underpin the research, development and application of nuclear technology, including regional exchanges in this field,” he said in his opening address at the China-ASEAN Forum on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology here today.

Also present were China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) chairman Shan Zhongde and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority chairman Zia Hussain Shah.

Chang said Malaysia was taking a measured approach in assessing the potential role of nuclear energy in the national energy mix under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), while strengthening the necessary foundations for future consideration.

He said MyPOWER Corporation, as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), would coordinate the national programme.

MOSTI, meanwhile, is participating in technical task forces focusing on legal and regulatory readiness, technology and industry, as well as human capital development, alongside other relevant ministries and agencies.

“These areas are essential because the peaceful use of nuclear technology requires sound governance, skilled people, responsible waste management and public understanding, with safety and security measures underpinning every application.

“Malaysia recognises the importance of regional cooperation in areas such as nuclear safety governance, radioactive waste management, regulatory capacity-building and the development of nuclear technology talent,” he said.

Describing the forum as a platform for sharing experiences and strengthening regional understanding, he said Malaysia's experience in non-power applications and China's expertise across the nuclear technology value chain offered valuable opportunities for knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation.

Potential areas of collaboration include radiation technology in agriculture and healthcare, industrial non-destructive testing, environmental radiation monitoring, radioactive waste management and radiation emergency preparedness.

However, Chang stressed that regional cooperation must be based on equality, mutual benefit and respect for each country's national circumstances and development priorities, given the differing levels of readiness, technological capabilities and needs among ASEAN member states.

He said a flexible, demand-driven approach would enable countries to pursue cooperation according to their respective priorities while ensuring the safe, orderly and responsible development of nuclear technology.

On the broader role of nuclear technology in sustainable development, Chang said peaceful nuclear applications, including non-power technologies and potential low-carbon energy options, could contribute to addressing climate change challenges when supported by sound scientific assessments, effective regulation and robust safety and security measures.

He said public confidence and community well-being must remain central to the development and application of nuclear technology, adding that Malaysia looked forward to constructive discussions with ASEAN member states, Gulf Cooperation Council partners, China and the wider international community.

Hosted by CAEA, the forum aims to deepen China-ASEAN cooperation in nuclear energy and technology, promote awareness of China's nuclear products and services, facilitate business matching and advance practical projects in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

-- BERNAMA