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.

A tabletop exercise will also be conducted as part of MITSATOM, focusing on response planning and coordination in the event of radiological and nuclear incidents.

-- BERNAMA