An International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA) International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) mission has completed a two-week review at the request of the Malaysian government, the IAEA said. The team looked at Malaysia's legislative and regulatory framework for nuclear and other radioactive material and associated facilities and activities. The IAEA said the team also reviewed physical protection systems at the Triga Puspati research reactor, a nuclear medicine facility and an irradiation facility. A statement said Malaysia has taken "important steps" to strengthen nuclear security. The team identified a number of good practices while also making recommendations and suggestions for continuous improvement.
The team, led by Stephan Bayer, Director of the Nuclear Security Section of the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office, comprised six experts from six nations as well as an IAEA representative. The team met in Kuala Lumpur with officials from the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), the Chief Government Security Office (CGSO), the Ministry of Health, the Royal Malaysian Police, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, the National Blood Centre, the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Grand Ten Holding Sdn Bhd.
This was the 72nd IPPAS mission conducted by the IAEA since the programme began in 1995. This was the first IPPAS mission in Malaysia. IPPAS missions are intended to help States strengthen their national nuclear security regime.
