Serdang: Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) has formed a strategic alliance with the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) to advance the use of nuclear science and technology in boosting the productivity of Malaysia's agricultural sector. The collaboration was sealed with the exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026, held at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the MoU document exchange was conducted by Nuklear Malaysia director-general Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin and MADA general manager Zulkifli Romli. It was witnessed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak. The partnership will focus on leveraging nuclear technology for hydrology and water resource management, including groundwater monitoring and sedimentation studies, to enhance water management in MADA's padi cultivation zones.
The initiative encompasses research and development in smart agrotechnology for padi cultivation, including soil and nutrient management, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, and isotope techniques for pest and crop disease monitoring. Additionally, the partnership will explore cultivating climate-resilient padi varieties and verifying seed authenticity to ensure the production of high-quality seeds and improved agricultural productivity.
The collaboration aims to bolster human capital development and technology transfer through joint supervision of Master's and PhD programs to produce more local experts in nuclear technology applications, hydrology, and agrotechnology. It aligns with the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030), which seeks to strengthen Malaysia's nuclear technology ecosystem to support socioeconomic development and food security.
Muhammad Rawi highlighted that the implementation of DTNN 2030 has led to a significant rise in the export value of local products related to nuclear technology, marking its economic contribution. From 2021 to 2025, exports were valued at RM6.21 billion, involving 348 local companies and markets such as Singapore, the United States, Brunei, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and Thailand. This achievement surpasses the RM2.403 billion target set for 2030.
He emphasized that nuclear technology development contributes not only to scientific progress but also to the commercialization of RandD and the development of high-technology industries, enhancing the competitiveness of local companies. Muhammad Rawi reiterated Nuklear Malaysia's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships to ensure the full utilization of nuclear expertise in supporting Malaysia's development goals.
MAHA 2026, now in its 14th edition, is a 10-day event from August 28 to September 6, serving as a vital platform to showcase innovations, technology, and business opportunities in Malaysia's agrofood sector.