Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) will intensify research and development (RandD)-driven initiatives to strengthen Malaysia's capabilities in strategic sectors amid growing concerns over global supply chain disruptions. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang said the matter was discussed during the weekly National Science Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ongoing crisis in West Asia had highlighted the importance of Malaysia developing its own technological capabilities. Minister Chang emphasized the necessity of reducing dependence on other countries, particularly in critical areas such as technology, food, and medicine. Following discussions at the National Science Council meeting, it was agreed to prioritize several national missions aimed at driving RandD-oriented development efforts.

Responding to inquiries about the government's need to enhance domestic military technology capabilities in light of the conflict in West Asia, Chang underscored the significance of self-reliance in defense technologies.

Regarding Malaysia's nuclear energy programme, Chang noted that the initiative is under the jurisdiction of MyPower Corporation, which acts as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO). He mentioned that a preliminary study is currently underway, with MOSTI set to be involved throughout the implementation process, although the programme remains at the study stage.