Radiation detectors managed by Malaysia to be used for FIFA World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: The radiation detection equipment managed by Malaysia will be used during this year’s FIFA World Cup which will take place in Qatar to ensure nuclear safety and security during the sporting event.

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) said in a statement on Sept 25, 2020 the Department of Atomic Energy (Atom Malaysia) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had signed the partnership agreement to establish a pool of radiation detection equipment available for loan (loaner pool).

"Under the loaner pool initiative, Malaysia received the placement of radiation detection equipment worth RM3,078,634 that can be used for nuclear safety and security activities in the country," said Mosti.

It added that the placement includes capacity building purposes when the equipment is not used by any IAEA member country, as well as for sharing best practices with domestic and international stakeholders

"This year, the equipment managed under loaner pool Malaysia will be used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022," said the ministry in its statement.

It said the equipment was utilised to implement nuclear security measures during major public events in the country such as the National Day celebration, SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games and Malaysia Games (Sukma).

On Monday (Oct 17), Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba held a meeting with eight IAEA experts, which was also attended by representatives from the Atom Malaysia, Royal Malaysia Police, Customs Department, National Security Council and National Disaster Management Agency, it said.

"The IAEA's experts from the United States, Pakistan, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Vietnam are in Malaysia for ten days from Oct 11 until Oct 21 to attend the International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ) expert mission.

"INSServ aims at helping Malaysia to identify improvements that can be made in implementing an effective and sustainable nuclear security control regime that focuses on methods of preventing and detecting nuclear security incidents that may threaten national security," it added. - Bernama