- The agency has developed advanced nuclear medicine techniques, including radiopharmaceuticals for cancer diagnosis and treatment, benefiting over 50,000 patients annually.
- Leveraging radiation-induced mutation technology, Agensi Nuklear Malaysia has engineered high-yield, climate-resilient rice and palm oil crops, boosting food security.
Agensi Nuklear Malaysia: Expanding nuclear applications for a greener future
Agensi Nuklear Malaysia (Nuclear Malaysia) recently inaugurated its Advanced Nuclear Science and Technology Complex in Bangi, Selangor, marking a significant leap in the nation’s nuclear research capabilities. The $120 million facility houses state-of-the-art labs for radiation processing, isotope production, and environmental monitoring.
A key focus is scaling up nuclear medicine production to address rising cancer rates in Southeast Asia, with plans to export radiopharmaceuticals to Thailand and Indonesia by 2025.
The agency also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to train 500 regional scientists in nuclear safety and sustainable energy solutions. This aligns with Malaysia’s goal to derive 20% of its energy from low-carbon sources by 2030.
Additionally, Nuclear Malaysia’s partnership with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) aims to integrate nuclear technology into environmental studies, tackling issues like plastic waste degradation using gamma irradiation.
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Agensi Nuklear Malaysia: Nuclear science as a catalyst for socioeconomic growth
Agensi Nuklear Malaysia’s work is critical as the nation confronts dual challenges: climate-driven food insecurity and a healthcare system strained by non-communicable diseases. Its radiation-induced mutation projects have produced rice variants like MARDI Siraj 297, which withstands floods and droughts—a game-changer for farmers in flood-prone regions like Kelantan.
Similarly, nuclear techniques are being used to monitor air pollution microplastics in Penang’s coastal waters, aiding conservation efforts.
Globally, the agency positions Malaysia as a leader in peaceful nuclear innovation. By collaborating with the IAEA, it contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable Clean Energy) and Goal 3 (Good Health).
With Southeast Asia’s energy demand projected to double by 2040, Nuclear Malaysia’s research on small modular reactors (SMRs) offers a viable path to decarbonize industries while ensuring energy security.
