KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 — Malaysia today reiterated its support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in solving global nuclear technology issues, and is ready and committed to working together with the international agency.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Adham Baba said that the IAEA played an effective role in encouraging the peaceful, safe and secured use of nuclear technology and the country was proud of its collaboration with the agency under the Technical Cooperation Programme, thanking the agency for its assistance in the development of Malaysia’s Country Framework Programme 2022-2027.
Dr Adham’s remarks came following his meeting with IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Gross yesterday. He stressed that the Malaysian government welcomed the development of the world’s first deep borehole for used radioactive waste disposal.
“Malaysia is aware of the importance of nuclear security in preventing the use of banned nuclear materials and nuclear technology. As a regional hub for the preparation of nuclear security detection equipment, Malaysia will continue to play an active role in strengthening nuclear security in the region,” he added.
He also said that the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, under his ministry, was always ready to offer assistance in the development of human capital for other member countries and would continue to support the IAEA as the sole competent technical authority to confirm member states’ obligations towards nuclear safeguards.
“Malaysia, therefore, is committed in implementing its full obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and welcomes inspections at the national reactor facility, PUSPATI TRIGA MARK II,” he said.
Before he met with the IAEA director general, Dr Adham and the Malaysian delegation visited the IAEA Nuclear Applications Laboratory in Seibersdorf.
The lab develops nuclear technology for peaceful uses, specially in the sectors of agriculture and food, water and environment, irradiator safety and vector-borne disease control that can be used to tackle socio-economic challenges and climate change.
