Malaysia working on the development of SMR technology

Malaysia is interested in developing small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The country’s interest was confirmed by Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Khang during a parliamentary session. Chang also said that Malaysian authorities have been exploring the technology since last year. The ministry will soon organize a visit to Russia to study floating power unit SMRs and nuclear energy cycles alongside safety guidelines. Chang added that the US is supporting countries interested in SMR’s potential through the Foundation Infrastructure of SMR programme. The initiative is realised in cooperation with the IAEA and promotes the use of nuclear technology with the highest safety standards. Several of Malaysia’s neighbours, including Indonesia and Thailand, have participated and benefited from the programme. Chang concluded his intervention by saying Malaysia is selecting partners to enhance its understanding of nuclear energy as a sustainable energy source. Two of these partners will probably be France and Japan, which have been cooperating with Malaysia on nuclear science and technology since the 1960s. The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) are already collaborating on enhancing human capital capabilities in nuclear technology. Their partnership focuses on three key areas: reactor engineering, nuclear and radiology emergency preparedness, and environmental radioactivity monitoring. According to Chang, this collaboration helps to develop expertise and knowledge about nuclear technology.