Participation In Space Treaties Significant Move To Protecting Country's Interests - MOSTI

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has acceded to two key United Nations (UN) space treaties, an important step that strengthens the country's commitment to the safe and responsible governance and implementation of outer space activities.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in a statement today, said that Malaysia is now a party to the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies 1967 (OST 1967), as well as the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space 1975 (REG 1975).

According to MOSTI, Malaysia's participation was finalised with the submission of the instrument of participation by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan at the UN General Assembly in the United States on Sept 26, 2025.

"This strategic move is a continuation of the government's efforts in strengthening the governance and regulation of the country’s space activities, starting with the gazetting of the Malaysia Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) on Jan 25, 2022, and the full enforcement of the act on Jan 1, 2025.

"The UN Outer Space Treaty provides an international legal framework that sets out fundamental principles to ensure that the use of outer space is carried out safely, responsibly and for the benefit of all humanity,” it added.

In the same statement, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang described the participation as an important complement that makes the country’s space legal ecosystem more holistic and comprehensive.

"Act 834 is our domestic shield, while this treaty is our diplomatic bridge. The combination of these two can make Malaysia a trusted and safe destination for space investment,” he said.

 He added that Malaysia's participation in the OST 1967 and the REG 1975 marks the next phase in the development of the country's space sector, which is formulated in stages through the National Space Policy 2030 that was launched in 2017.

MOSTI said the participation also protects the country's interests and elevates Malaysia's reputation as a new player in the global space sector, besides opening more opportunities to participate in international outer space programmes - in line with the rapid growth of the global space sector.

As a member state, Malaysia can also voice its views more effectively on the importance of space, particularly regarding the peaceful and responsible use of space and the management of space traffic to ensure the sustainability of outer space.

MOSTI also said that it is assessing the country's readiness to join other space treaties through the Space Treaty Working Committee, in line with the National Space Policy Action Plan 2030.

The move is aimed at empowering the country's space sector through international collaboration, in addition to supporting the National Space Policy 2030 target of contributing at least RM10 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating 5,000 job opportunities by 2030.

-- BERNAMA