Negative Perception Of Nuclear Energy Must Be Addressed - Deputy Minister

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Public misconceptions about nuclear technology, often linked to safety concerns as well as potential risks to health and the environment, must be addressed to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry in Malaysia.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said that fostering greater public confidence requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, including the government, industry players, academia and professional bodies. He emphasised that perceptions can be reshaped through communication strategies that are inclusive, transparent and firmly grounded in scientific evidence.

“Public perception of nuclear technology remains one of the main challenges in advancing this field in Malaysia. While the benefits of nuclear technology are well-documented, widespread concerns over safety and radiation risks continue to persist among the public,” he said.

He said this in his speech when officiating the 28th Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop 2025 here today.

He said the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy Department (Atom Malaysia), is actively carrying out awareness and education initiatives, as well as fostering strategic collaborations and participation in both national and international academic forums.

“With a holistic approach and effective communication, I am confident that the public will come to accept nuclear technology as a strategic national asset, provided it is managed ethically and with the highest safety standards,” he said.

Mohammad Yusof added that in today’s era of advanced technology, the use of radiation sources is inevitable, with applications spanning the medical, agricultural, industrial, research and national security sectors.

“Radiation protection is the key priority in ensuring that every application of nuclear technology is safely regulated and does not pose risks to human health or the environment. As the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stressed, protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation is a shared responsibility,” he said.

On the conference, he noted that Malaysia is strengthening its role in advancing the regional radiation technology safety agenda through the organisation of the event, themed ‘Global Energy Security Through Radiation Safety: Balancing Growth and Protection’ - emphasising that radiation safety serves as the foundation for ensuring global energy sustainability and resilience.

He said the organisation of the conference was aligned with the nation’s development aspirations under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which emphasises the growth of high-value industries, including the energy and water sectors.

“This reflects the government’s consideration of nuclear energy as a clean and safe source to meet future energy needs, with radiation safety continuing to be the top priority,” he said.

The conference, he added, brought together more than 100 participants, including industrial radiation practitioners, policymakers, academics and technical experts. Over the course of the event, participants engaged in 19 technical paper presentations, forums, workshops, technical visits and technology exhibitions focusing on radiation safety.

-- BERNAMA