Malaysia’s National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030) will enable Malaysia to optimise the peaceful use of nuclear technology for socio-economic development, said Chang Lih Kang head of the Science, Technology & Innovation Ministry (Mosti). He said the policy document outlined four strategic core areas, 18 strategies and 13 primary targets to achieve the vision and direction of Malaysia’s nuclear technology ecosystem. The policy was adopted following a detailed consultation with stakeholders and the public in 2021.
“The strategies and initiatives outlined in this policy emphasise the creation of a sustainable national nuclear technology ecosystem as well as the establishment of a solid platform for peacefully mainstreaming nuclear technology in Malaysia,” he said at the DTNN 2030 launch event. DTNN 2030 has also identified six focus areas that can be enhanced through the use of nuclear technology.
These include medicine & health care; food & agriculture; device & equipment manufacturing; environmental & natural resource management; industrial applications; as well as nuclear safety & security.
Chang said the use of nuclear technology in the specific fields of science, technology, innovation and economy (STIE) is targeted to increase by 40% through the DTNN 2030 framework and the accompanying action plan documents. “The field of research, commercialisation and innovation will continue to be a pillar in the development of science, technology and innovation under Mosti through the implementation of DTNN 2030,” he added.
Chang said the DTNN 2030 is a significant policy in Mosti’s efforts to formulate a long-term strategic direction to drive the development of nuclear technology until 2030.
He also expressed hope that DTNN 2030 could be used as a strategic guide for Malaysia to realise the Madani Economy.
Chang told reporters after the launch that he hoped the policy would help Malaysia achieve its nuclear technology investment value target of MYR2.4bn (512m) by 2030. He added that the ministry would establish a committee to ensure that the country’s nuclear technology is utilised to the same extent as in other developed nations. DTNN supports Malaysia's goal of becoming a high-tech country as outlined in the National Science, Technology & Innovation Policy 2021-2030.
He also said that Nuclear Malaysia will act as a coordinating agency for national cooperation platforms including strategic projects related to nuclear technology. "Nuclear Malaysia will lead the National Nuclear Technology Technical Committee whose members consist of technical experts from relevant government agencies, state-based institutions, regulators, the private sector and academics.
"This committee will play a role in coordinating, researching and advising on the technical aspects related to nuclear technology in the implementation of this policy," he explained.
Image: Chang Lih Kang, Head of the Science, Technology & Innovation Ministry, says Malaysia’s National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 will enable Malaysia to optimise the peaceful use of nuclear technology for socio-economic development
