KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Aug 25) approved amendments to the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 (Act 304), which has remained unchanged for 41 years.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the amendments were aimed at strengthening and modernising the legislation to ensure more comprehensive enforcement covering safety, security and usage control, in line with current developments in atomic energy technology.
"Although Malaysia will only decide on the use of nuclear energy for electricity generation after 2030, this amendment represents a step in preparing for that possibility, as we cannot begin preparations only after a decision has been made,” he said when winding up the debate on the Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025.
He stressed that the bill’s main focus was not to determine Malaysia’s policy on nuclear energy use, but to strengthen the legal framework under Act 304 in line with international standards.
According to Chang, the gazetting of the bill would provide Malaysia with the necessary domestic legal provisions to sign international instruments, demonstrating the country’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations and becoming a party to global frameworks related to atomic energy.
"In this regard, there are five international instruments related to atomic energy that have yet to be signed, and two that require ratification, as part of the preparatory steps towards the possible use of nuclear energy for electricity generation," he said.
The bill also provides for the establishment of the Atomic Energy Advisory Council.
In addition, a new Section 41D is introduced to stipulate offences and penalties for individuals who engage in activities involving radioactive or nuclear material with the intent to cause death, serious injury, or significant damage to property or the environment.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting will resume on Tuesday (Aug 26). - Bernama
