Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) is intensifying efforts to educate and engage the public to foster a better understanding of nuclear technology, particularly to dispel the perception that it is only associated with weapons or danger.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nuklear Malaysia director-general Dr. Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin emphasized the importance of public advocacy and education to ensure the community understands the safe and controlled use of nuclear technology across various daily applications, including medicine, agriculture, food, industry, manufacturing, and the environment.
Dr. Muhammad Rawi highlighted that under the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030), one of Nuklear Malaysia's core responsibilities is to promote nuclear technology directly to the public. This initiative aims to build awareness and help people realize nuclear technology's integration into everyday life. He explained that the agency actively reaches out to the community through its initiatives and external invitations, such as school talks, exhibitions, and related activities.
Efforts are being executed through the Communication, Education and Public Acceptance (CEPA) approach, designed to simplify nuclear technology for public understanding. He noted that public apprehension often results from a lack of information, which is why the Nuclear Education Outreach (NEO) platform was developed to translate complex nuclear jargon into accessible language.
Under the 'Nuklear Untuk Rakyat' (N.U.R) initiative, approximately 24 Nuclear Advocacy Programmes are planned nationwide, targeting various societal segments. Nuklear Malaysia is focusing on three main initiatives: the 'Jelajah Nuklear' roadshow, 'N.U.R@Wanita', and 'Rakan Nuklear'. These initiatives aim to educate school students, empower women, and connect classroom learning with real-life nuclear applications.
Dr. Muhammad Rawi stressed the need for increased public engagement since most people do not directly experience nuclear technology, despite benefiting from it daily. In healthcare, for instance, interactions are typically with hospitals rather than nuclear technology directly, leading to unawareness of its proximity.
He acknowledged that public perception is still influenced by historical events like the Chernobyl disaster and the atomic bombings in Japan, which have left negative impressions. However, advancements in reactor technology and design have significantly improved safety, with past incidents serving as lessons for ongoing improvements in safety protocols.
The director-general emphasized that developing nuclear technology, including research or power reactors, involves strict regulatory oversight under both domestic and international standards. He encouraged the public to view nuclear technology as a tool for sustainable development, with the potential to benefit people, industry, and the national economy.
Dr. Muhammad Rawi clarified that Malaysia's nuclear technology does not involve weapon or explosive production. Instead, it utilizes atomic and radiation properties safely under stringent regulations by the Department of Atomic Energy and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He noted Malaysia's record of never experiencing a nuclear reactor accident.
He stated that Nuklear Malaysia is supporting government efforts to evaluate alternative energy sources, including nuclear power generation, in anticipation of increased electricity demand driven by economic growth, industrialization, and data center developments. Nuclear power is considered a low-carbon option providing stable electricity without dependence on weather conditions, unlike solar and wind power.
Dr. Muhammad Rawi concluded that the government is exploring all energy options to ensure a sustainable, safe, and resilient national power supply, and Nuklear Malaysia is prepared to support this effort with technical expertise.