Govt targets 40pct nuclear tech usage, RM2.4b investment value by 2030

The government aims to increase the usage of nuclear technology to 40 percent with an industrial investment value of RM2.4 billion by 2030.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the target is in line with the new National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030.

The policy shows the ministry’s effort to formulate a significant, long-term strategic direction to drive the development of the country’s nuclear technology until 2030.

“Although the country has used nuclear technology extensively for more than 40 years, we hope that the policy launched today will be able to help the country achieve the target and it’s a policy to mainstream the usage of nuclear technology in our country,” he told reporters after the launching event at Marriott Hotel in Putrajaya today.

As of now, he revealed that Malaysia has only used about 20 percent of nuclear technology, with an investment value of less than RM1 billion.

“We have to admit that the country’s nuclear-level technology is excellent but its usage is low. For example, it is widely used in the medical sector, as well as in food technology with quality production including rice, more resistant to diseases and others,” he explained.

The Tanjong Malim MP elaborated that the strategies and initiatives outlined in the newly launched policy will enable the country to maximise the benefits of the peaceful use of nuclear technology for socio-economic development and put Malaysia on par with other developed countries.

For this purpose, Chang pointed out that the policy sets four strategic cores, 18 strategies and 13 main targets involving stakeholders in various economic sectors.

It has also identified six key focus sectors, namely medicine and healthcare; food and agriculture; manufacturing of devices and equipment; environmental and natural resources management; industrial applications as well as nuclear safety and security.

Pollution preventing project

Additionally, Chang revealed a pilot project to mine rare earth elements (REE) in Gerik, Perak to test whether the technology and techniques used could avoid water pollution and underground water contamination as well as other environmental issues.

He said the pilot project is important to ensure that the in-situ leaching technique is safe to use before the development of the mineral industry is carried out.

“That’s why we have a pilot project, (we’re) not commercialising it yet,” he clarified when asked about the probability of pollution in using the in-situ leaching technique.

He also backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s stance to develop a policy to ban REE export to prevent the exploitation of the mineral and resources loss to guarantee “maximum returns for the country”.

“If we only export raw REE materials, it will not help the country’s rare earth industry.

“(Therefore), the export ban will help us develop the industry, especially on the downstream (industry).” - Mkini