Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) plans to install four additional Gamma Spectrum Water Monitoring Systems (GSWMS) sensor stations nationwide by the end of this year to monitor radioactivity levels in Malaysian waters. Minister Chang Lih Kang said the stations will be located in Langkawi, Kedah; Perhentian Island, Terengganu; Tioman Island, Pahang; and Bintulu, Sarawak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the technology is designed to strengthen the country’s ability to detect and respond swiftly to any radiological threats in water sources. Chang stated that this system is not only installed in Malaysia but also in other ASEAN countries, allowing for early detection if abnormal radioactivity readings are recorded anywhere in the region.

Chang noted that Malaysia’s first GSWMS was installed at Universiti Malaysia Sabah in June 2023. Earlier, at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Malaysian Atomic Energy Department will roll out the GSWMS initiative under the 12th Malaysia Plan. ASEANTOM 2025 is being held under the initiative of the Malaysian Atomic Energy Department as ASEANTOM Chair, in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship.