Kuala lumpur: The Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to broaden the scope of the Act to include additional aspects of safety, regulation and nuclear security, was tabled for the first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, in tabling the Bill, said that the second and third readings will be carried out during the current sitting.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Bill circulated in Parliament outlines several key amendments. Among them is the introduction of a new Part IIA, which provides for the establishment of the Atomic Energy Advisory Council. This includes the proposed new Section 2A, which specifies the provisions for the establishment and membership of the Advisory Council. Section 2B outlines the functions of the Advisory Council, while Section 2C covers provisions related to the meetings of the Advisory Council.

Additionally, Clause 31 of the Bill seeks to introduce a new Section 27A, stipulating that no person may dispose of, recycle, or reuse any radioactive material, nuclear material, or spent fuel unless they hold a license. Furthermore, the Bill proposes a new Section 41D, which addresses offences and penalties for individuals who engage in activities involving radioactive or nuclear material with the intent to cause harm to individuals or damage to property or the environment.

Also included in the Bill is Clause 61, which seeks to amend Section 59. This amendment would grant the Director-General the authority to set a different liability limit from that provided under Subsection 59(1), with the stipulation that any alternative liability limit shall not be less than RM12 million for a nuclear incident.