KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is a step closer to having its own rocket launch pad, says the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
The ministry said the government will review the first completed preliminary feasibility study on the project.
Deputy Minister Datuk Mohamad Yusof Apdal said a full report from the Pahang government will be evaluated by a multi agency committee soon.
He said the ministry also received an interim feasibility report from the Sabah government earlier this year.
“We are now waiting for the full report before reviewing the project’s feasibility in Sabah,” he said on Wednesday (Oct 15).
“We believe this initiative can make Malaysia a strategic hub in the regional space industry,” he added.
“This would create new jobs and technology transfer opportunities, and enhance our global competitiveness,” he said during Ministry Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat.
He said cooperation to develop the facility will continue through existing platforms with global space agencies.
These include the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the China National Space Administration.
“The assessment of potential sites must meet 58 elements under eight key areas,” he said.
He said these include cost, financing, risk, environment and technical expertise.
On June 30, Minister Chang Lih Kang said preliminary feasibility studies had begun on proposals from Sabah and Pahang.
He later said in September that Sabah, Pahang and Sarawak were shortlisted as possible locations.
According to the Malaysian Space Agency, Malaysia aims to establish South East Asia’s first rocket launch pad by 2029.
This target aligns with the National Space Policy 2030.
