SERI ISKANDAR: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry is conducting a preliminary feasibility study on proposals from Sabah and Pahang to identify suitable locations in the two states for the development of a rocket launch site.
Its minister Chang Lih Kang said the study would take some time as it requires evaluation from multiple angles.
"So far, two states have expressed interest and submitted their applications - Sabah and Pahang. We are currently conducting a feasibility study on their proposals.
"There are many aspects that we need to examine in this feasibility study. So, it will take time," he said when met after the fifth edition of the MOSTI Tech Talks programme at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) here Monday (June 30) night.
Also present were the ministry's deputy secretary-general (science planning and culture) Ruziah Shafei, deputy secretary-general (technology development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan, UTP president and chief executive officer Mohamed Firouz Asnan, and UTP provost Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib.
Chang said he hoped that construction work for the rocket launch site could begin as early as 2026.
"... In fact, demand for satellite launches is increasing, and the number of existing launch sites worldwide is no longer sufficient.
"In the past, satellites were mainly needed for communication and television, but now many sectors including automotive, smartwatches and smartphones rely on satellite technology for GPS, communications and more," he said.
On Feb 15 last year, the media reported that Malaysia was racing against time in its bid to establish the first rocket launch site in Southeast Asia.
Chang was quoted as saying that Malaysia has several advantages in building such a facility, including being located outside earthquake zones, having no active volcanoes, possessing advanced technological capabilities and hosting a well-developed electronics and electrical industry.
Meanwhile, on the MOSTI Tech Talks programme, Chang said it is part of the ministry's efforts to engage university students so that they better understand the ministry's roles and functions.
"At the same time, we want them (university students) to be more aware of current developments in the science community, and hopefully be inspired to pursue careers in science and technology," he said.
Chang added that the programme began in April and has so far involved Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). - Bernama
