Nuclear technology plays an important role in various socioeconomic sectors of the country, especially in the industrial, health, food and agriculture sectors, water management and environmental protection. The peaceful use of nuclear science and technology through technology transfer and capacity building has a positive impact on the world.
Malaysia has benefited greatly from the peaceful use of nuclear technology since the introduction of X-ray machines in Malaya in 1897. Since then, the use of nuclear technology has been growing in line with the rapid progress of the country’s industry. Currently, Malaysia has various facilities and laboratories based on nuclear science and technology, some of which have been recognised internationally including the International Collaborative Center (ICC) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Regional Training Center (RTC) and the Nuclear Security Support Center Regional (NSSC) in Asia and the Pacific.
Malaysia has a nuclear research reactor, namely the TRIGA PUSPATI Reactor (RTP) which has been operating at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) since 1982. The RTP is used for research and development purposes, including the production of medical, industrial, agricultural and educational radioisotopes in the fields of science and nuclear engineering. Apart from RTP, Malaysia also has various irradiation facilities that can improve the stability and sustainability of food supply, medicine and healthcare, as well as various other purposes related to it.
In line with the development of nuclear technology, it is time for Malaysia to take a step forward to empower the peaceful use of nuclear technology based on the sustainable development goals outlined by the United Nations (UN). The following are among the focus areas involving the use of nuclear technology in Malaysia.
Food and Agriculture
NMR152 rice seeds successfully increase farmers’ income through an increase in harvest between 35 to 50 per cent. This rice seed has received the FAO/IAEA Outstanding Achievement Award 2014 and 2021 for the mutation breeding category of a new breed of rice and the Malaysian Commercialisation Year Award 2021 for two categories namely the Research Entrepreneur Award and the Supreme Award.
Nuclear technology is also proven to help verify the authenticity of food from natural sources, safe to eat and identify its locality. For example for agro products such as rice, swiftlet’s nest and honey, neutron activation techniques are used to characterize the original habitat element profile and confirm the product’s authenticity through geochemical markers. This process helps the Malaysian Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Veterinary Services Department in the enforcement and control of agro-food in Malaysia.
Nuclear technology can also be used to improve the quality and safety of food through irradiation techniques by eliminating harmful bacteria and pest insects which in turn can extend the shelf life of the food. Therefore, nuclear technology has the potential to help local small and medium industries meet food import safety standards set by international bodies and the import market.
Environmental, Water and Natural Resource Management
Management of the environment, water and natural resources is essential for universal life. As the population grows and the economy grows, access to clean and safe water is essential. Nuclear techniques can be extended to determine the age and quality of water which contributes to the development of integrated water resource management plans to preserve water-related ecosystems. Issues related to limited water resources can be overcome with more effective resource management through the study of underground water resources.
Nuclear technology also helps to overcome the issue of water pollution through industrial wastewater treatment, reduction of pollutants and improvement of water quality to make it safe for reuse.
In terms of infrastructure, Malaysia has a nuclear and radioactive material detection system through 82 Radiation Monitoring Portals (RPM) at entry and exit points throughout the country. This facility allows Malaysia to track the movement in and out of nuclear material and radioactive material. In addition, there are eight Environmental Radiation Monitoring Stations (ERMS) used to monitor environmental radiation levels.
Malaysia also has nuclear safety and security laboratories such as the Regional Loaner Pool for radiation detection equipment, the Physical Protection Laboratory, the Mobile Radiological Laboratory, the Radiochemical and Environmental Laboratory, and the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory to ensure the safe use of nuclear technology.
The use of nuclear technology for environmental and natural resource management can improve monitoring strategies for effective environmental management planning. This includes the development of an air quality database, and identifying elements and radioactive elements in the marine environment. This technique also provides sensitive and accurate analytical methods for analysing trace amounts of pollutants in the atmosphere and oceans, to sustainably manage and protect vast ocean ecosystems.
In 1984, Malaysia established the National Radioactive Waste Management Center for the safe management of radioactive waste in the country. This radioactive waste results from various nuclear activities, such as research reactors, medical institutions, the industrial sector and from naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in mineral processing, and the oil and gas industry. Among these wastes, NORM and sealed source radioactive waste (DSRS) are the types of radioactive waste that are produced the most in Malaysia. Currently, a borehole technology facility is being developed in collaboration with the IAEA in this country to dispose of accumulated DSRS waste.
Industry Potential
As we know, the world is currently facing the challenges of climate change and the need to switch to more sustainable energy sources. In this context, nuclear energy has great potential as an alternative energy source that can offer a stable energy supply with very low carbon emissions. Therefore, nuclear energy not only meets the country’s growing energy needs but can also become a new economic resource through various aspects such as infrastructure development, research and innovation, as well as education and training.
Nuclear energy is one of the most efficient and durable sources of energy, with nuclear reactors capable of operating for decades. This will help Malaysia ensure long-term energy supply stability while achieving sustainable development objectives. In addition, the responsible and safe implementation of nuclear technology, in compliance with strict nuclear safety and security standards and protocols, will ensure that risks to the environment and human health can be safeguarded and controlled.
In addition to energy production, the nuclear industry also offers opportunities for the generation of new economic resources. The construction and operation of nuclear power stations will open up new job opportunities and stimulate the development of supporting industries. The knowledge and skills required in this sector will also drive education and training, opening up opportunities for Malaysia to become a centre of excellence and training in the nuclear field in the region. Indirectly, this will enrich the country’s innovation and technology ecosystem, making Malaysia more competitive internationally.
Overall, nuclear energy holds great potential to play an important role in creating a more sustainable and sustainable future for Malaysia, both in terms of energy, the environment, and the economy. With a prudent and safe approach, nuclear energy can be one of the main pillars in the energy transformation and economic development of the country.
This article was written by The Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI) Chang Lih Kang, and was translated into English from Bahasa Malaysia.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of NHA – News Hub Asia.
