Completion of Malaysian-made project in two to three years, says Chang
KUALA LUMPUR: The national Remote Sensing Satellite project is expected to be completed within two or three years, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang (pic).“So, we will have our very own Malaysian-made remote-sensing satellite.
“That would be something exciting,” he told a press conference at Parliament’s media centre here yesterday.
Chang said the ministry is also discussing with the private sector as several states had shown interest in setting up launch site facilities for space vehicles.
“A feasibility study is being conducted and we are carefully reviewing the details.
“Once that is completed, we will make an official announcement.
“With these projects in the pipeline, it will 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.
“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, paving the way for new economic and technological advancements.
“With this, Malaysia now has a total of 13 satellites launched into space,” said Chang.
The minister also said the Malaysian Space Board Act 2022 (Act 834) that came into effect on Jan 1 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 as the main supervisory body,” he said.
“Mosti is also currently preparing a memorandum for the Cabinet’s consideration, which is expected to further enhance space governance, create new economic opportunities and develop human capital through future space technology investments,” added Chang.
