KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to establish itself as a strategic location for private satellite launches, with plans for its first satellite launch pad being primarily driven by private investment, says Chang Lih Kang.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Minister said the government will play a regulatory role, facilitating this significant development.
"We have the right recipe for a satellite launching pad," he said, citing the country's equatorial position, which allows for more efficient launches by reducing rocket fuel requirements—a major cost-saving compared to facilities further from the equator.
Speaking at a session with the Concorde Club, Chang said Malaysia's proximity to the equator offers significant benefits for satellite launches, including reduced fuel requirements.
"Having a location in the tropics will reduce the fuel requirement," Chang said, adding that Malaysia has a strategic advantage over other global locations.
Moreover, he said the country's strong talent pool in electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductors, coupled with its lower susceptibility to natural disasters, positions it as a favourable site for satellite initiatives.
He said the initiative would be driven by private entities, with the government assuming a regulatory role.
"Two companies and state governments have already expressed interest and submitted feasibility studies.
"The feasibility study is underway," Chang said, adding that it was necessary to identify the best location, considering factors like wind conditions and weather.
According to the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), Malaysia aims to establish South-East Asia's first rocket launch pad by 2029, aligned with the National Space Policy 2030.
The initiative is expected to significantly boost the country's economy, potentially contributing over RM10bil to the GDP, reinforcing Malaysia's position as a regional leader in the growing space industry.
Also present at the meeting was Star Media Group managing editor Brian Martin.
The Concorde Club is an informal group of editors and senior journalists who meet with politicians and key policy makers.
Previous guests of the Concorde Club, led by Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, include Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Opposition leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Anthony Loke and Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Meanwhile, Chang noted that his parliamentary constituency Tanjung Malim is experiencing rapid development as a key automotive hub.
"We have good prospects for Tanjung Malim," he said, noting its potential with the upcoming Automotive Hi-Tech Valley (AHTV), where Geely will serve as the anchor tenant.
Spanning 1,000 acres, he said the project would see Geely bringing its entire value chain to the region, attracting other major players such as BYD, which is anchoring the KLK Technology Park.
Chang noted that a major part of this transformation involved Proton's relocation of its Shah Alam operations to Tanjung Malim, bringing an initial 6,000 employees and with projections of reaching a total of 10,000 people by 2027.
This influx requires substantial infrastructure enhancements, including the development of new schools, hospitals and housing, to accommodate the growing population, he said.
"This will contribute to a significant population increase," he said, adding that infrastructure like new schools, a hospital and a fire station have been approved for Tanjung Malim.
