Malaysia has updated its Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Act 2025 in order to increase oversight of nuclear and radioactive activities in line with international standards. The Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (Mosti) said in a statement on Tuesday that the updated legislation strengthens regulatory controls to protect workers, the public and the environment, while enhancing safety and security measures for radioactive and nuclear materials.
“The scope of control and supervision of atomic energy activities will also be expanded to encompass safety, security and safeguards, towards a comprehensive nuclear legislation that is aligned with international standards,” the statement said.
Implementation will be phased, with provisions on permits, licences, financial guarantees, a radioactive waste fund and compoundable offenses taking effect once supporting regulations are completed.
New requirements include mandatory decommissioning plans before building facilities, accounting and control systems for nuclear material and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and reporting.
The law introduces strict penalties, with sabotage and nuclear weapons violations punishable by 30-40 years imprisonment or the death penalty. The Atomic Energy Department said it remains committed to enforcing the strengthened framework to ensure high safety and security standards across the country’s atomic energy activities.
In November, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (Petra), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, said Malaysia will explore nuclear energy carefully, with public input, focusing on trust, transparency, and evidence-based planning.
“When citizens understand the science, safeguards and benefits, they become active partners in Malaysia’s energy transition,” he said in his keynote address to the International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICNE 2025) themed Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Source in ASEAN.
“Malaysia continues to evaluate nuclear energy as part of its long-term national energy transition plan,” he said. “This exploration is not a sudden shift, but a carefully phased, science-based process to diversify our energy mix and strengthen energy security and affordability. Our approach is guided by three key principles: safety, transparency, and sustainability. Any decision on nuclear power will be made with utmost care, grounded in evidence, public engagement, and international best practices.
He said the government has designated MyPower Corporation as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO), marking “a significant milestone in institutionalising Malaysia’s nuclear readiness”.
As NEPIO, MyPower plays a central role in:
- Coordinating national efforts across ministries, regulators, and industry players on nuclear planning and infrastructure development.
- Strengthening institutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks consistent with the IAEA Milestone Approach.
- Conducting feasibility studies to assess nuclear energy’s role in achieving long-term energy security and emission reduction goals.
- Engaging the public and key stakeholders to build understanding and confidence in Malaysia’s nuclear direction.
“Through this role, MyPower reflects Malaysia’s whole-of-government commitment to ensuring that any potential adoption of nuclear energy is orderly, transparent, and in line with our … values,” Fadillah noted.
Malaysia’s exploration of nuclear energy is embedded within the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and complements the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2022–2040, he explained.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang has clarified that Malaysia is exploring the use of nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, as natural gas resources dwindle and global demand for clean energy rises. He said, however, that the government had not decided on using nuclear energy for electricity generation, and that any decision would only be made after 2030, based on the findings of a study.
“I didn’t say we need nuclear energy. We are just exploring the possibilities, (taking into account) factors like our depleting natural gas resources and increasing power demand,” he said. “That’s why we need to explore other possibilities, and global demand for clean energy is also rising.” he said “We have sufficient expertise and, of course, we will always stay updated with international developments.”
Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) Director General Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin said that nuclear energy had contributed MYR9.16bn ($2.2bn) to the country’s economy between 2015 and 2024 through the exports of products derived from local nuclear technology.
“The use of nuclear technology in the medical, agricultural, food safety, and industrial sectors has been successfully enhanced and has received international recognition,” he noted. “This achievement lays a solid foundation for local industries to harness high technology for economic growth and national security.”
Dr Rawi said Nuklear Malaysia intends to upgrade key nuclear facilities, strengthen safety systems, improve radiation monitoring, and enhance waste management. The agency also aims to expand research and development in the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for healthcare, while extending irradiation services for food, medical devices, and exports.
Malaysia currently operates one nuclear research reactor and several associated research and waste management facilities. These include:
- RTP Reactor (TRIGA MARK II) located at the Nuklear Malaysia complex in Selangor, which is under IAEA safeguards.
- Gamma Greenhouse: A large-scale irradiation facility used for exposing plants to low-dose radiation to support sustainable agriculture and crop improvement.
- Malaysia is in the process of developing and implementing a borehole disposal facility for disused radioactive sources, as part of an IAEA pilot project. Preparatory work is in its final stages at the Nuclear Malaysia complex.
Russia’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Naiyl Latypov, said Moscow welcomes Malaysia’s decision to develop a national framework for atomic energy and is ready to work with the government once domestic approvals are completed. “We hope that all necessary decisions will be made soon. It will be a good base for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” he told a press briefing.
He added that Russia is prepared to conclude all required memoranda of understanding and agreements to facilitate collaboration in such areas as power generation, technology transfer and regulatory development. “Simultaneously, we are ready to speak about medium-power or small-power nuclear reactors, especially floating reactors,” he noted, pointing to Russia’s existing floating nuclear facility in Pevek as a reference model. “We are open for cooperation. We are ready to invite Malaysian specialists to visit this floating station, examine it, and discuss the possibilities,” he said.
Beyond power generation, potential collaboration could include leveraging Malaysia’s industrial capacity in shipbuilding and in the fabrication of components for floating platforms, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak. “Nuclear is a delicate issue. We are ready to help Malaysian authorities work with Malaysian public opinion on this matter,” Latypov said.
