Malaysia, IAEA to cooperate on training in radiation, radioactive waste safety

Dr Adham says Malaysia hopes to continue its role as an IAEA Cooperation Centre so it can continue sharing its expertise and experience in radiation processing and related fields with other member countries. – BERNAMApic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency has signed a practical arrangement (PA) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria to cooperate in education and training in radiation, transport and radioactive waste safety within the Asia-Pacific region.

The agency, under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, signed the PA on Tuesday (Sept 27).

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"This PA also reaffirms the importance of cooperation and collaboration in promoting an integrated approach to the development of education and training, supporting more effective technical cooperation programmes, and ensuring that activities are complementary and coordinated," the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (Sept 28).

Agency director-general Dr Abdul Rahim Harun signed the PA on its behalf, while the IAEA signatory was Lydie Evrard, its deputy director-general of the Nuclear Safety and Security Department.

The signing was witnessed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (pic).

According to the statement, Malaysia and IAEA will work together to assist other IAEA member countries in training and capacity building, strengthening research efforts, as well as the exchange and dissemination of information.

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Meanwhile, Dr Adham, who is taking part in the four-day 66th IAEA General Conference in Vienna until Friday (Sept 30), also delivered a national statement emphasising Malaysia's commitment to foster closer cooperation with the IAEA towards achieving common goals and interests.

"Malaysia appreciates the IAEA's support in the coordination of research projects to foster the sharing of scientific and technical information.

"Malaysia is also pleased to be recognised by the IAEA as a Cooperation Centre in radiation processing, advanced non-destructive testing and plant-induced mutation breeding," he said in his statement, adding that Malaysia hoped to extend its recognition to continue sharing its experience and expertise with other member countries.

With over 50 years as an IAEA member, he said Malaysia had cooperated with the global agency in medicine and health, food and agriculture, industry and manufacturing, environment, radiation safety, education and training, regulations and related areas. – Bernama