KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has announced the development of its national Remote Sensing Satellite project, which is expected to be completed within two or three year’s time, says Chang Lih Kang.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister confirmed that the process for the project has already started and it's in the development stage.
"So, in the next two to three years, we will have our very own Malaysian-made remote sensing satellite.
"That would be something exciting," he told a press conference at the parliament's media centre on Thursday (Feb 13).
He also noted that the ministry was in discussion with the private sector, as several states have shown their interest in establishing a launch vehicle complex facility for space vehicles.
"They are currently conducting a feasibility study, and we are carefully reviewing the details.
"Once that is completed, we will make an official announcement.
"With these projects in the pipeline, we can bring excitement to industry players," said Chang.
According to him, Uzma Berhad, a local company, successfully launched UzmaSAT, a high-resolution Earth observation satellite, in the United States, on Jan 15, 2025.
"The launch demonstrates the private sector’s ability to pioneer high-tech industries, with the government fully supporting public-private collaborations in shaping the country’s technological future and paving the way for new economic and technological advancements.
"With this, Malaysia now has a total of 13 satellites launched into space," said Chang.
He said effective Jan 1, Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) has come into full effect, and the legislation will strengthen the domestic legal framework, govern as well as regulate space activities effectively.
"The enforcement of this Act will be carried out by the Space Authority Division under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti), with the Malaysian Space Board, which comprises seven ministries as the main supervisory body," he added.
"Mosti is also currently preparing a Cabinet Memorandum for consideration by the Cabinet, which is expected to further enhance space governance, create new economic opportunities, and develop human capital through future space technology investments," said Chang.
