Current News & Issues

BANGI, SEPT 8^th 2022 - A delegation from MADA paid a visit to Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, in an effort to strengthen ties and bilateral collaboration between Nuklear Malaysia and MADA. The delegation was led by Haji Kamarudin Bin Dahuli, General Manager of MADA.

One of the main topics covered during this visit was the development of a sustainable rice industry sector, in line with the national goal of improving food security. Another important topic was obtaining the necessary guidance and experience from Nuclear Malaysia in order to apply nuclear research and technology elements to all economic sectors in the MADA region.

BANGI, 2022 AUGUST 24 - The Information Management Division (BPM) and the Director General's Office have organized the Monthly Assembly of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) No. 4/2022 for the month of August 2022 with the theme "#Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama" in conjunction with the 65th National Day Celebration. The monthly gathering this month is also to celebrate Malaysia's 50-year Nuclear Golden Jubilee Celebration (1972-2022).

Various programs were held during the assembly such as poetry performances and prize giving for the best photo competition between sections in conjunction with the independence month celebration. Among the main content of this gathering is the speech from the Director General of Nuklear Malaysia.

He stressed that Nuklear Malaysia’s family should always be positive and collectively united in facing various challenges with the spirit of a family. Along with the theme of this year's national day celebration, "#Keluarga Malaysia Teguh Bersama" which is the concept of the harmony of a large family based on inclusion, togetherness and gratitude. The Director General welcomes the Nuklear Malaysia’s family to respond to the suggestion of waving the Jalur Gemilang in the offices, in vehicles or at residences as a sign of support for the campaign carried out by the government.

"Nuklear Malaysia's success to remain relevant for 50 years is not an effort that started today but the success achieved is decisive for a struggle in the future. This is our struggles to liberate the world of science and technology so that it is not only lived in some groups of society but is cultured in line with technological progress based on the results from the thoughts of great researchers in Nuklear Malaysia." Such are the messages and wishes conveyed by the Director General in conjunction with Nuklear Malaysia which will celebrate the Golden Jubilee of its establishment by September.

The involvement of Nuklear Malaysia citizens who have contributed their energy in every program and effort to promote the role of Nuklear Malaysia to the community specifically and the world in general is supported along with the demands of responsibility and commitment that were given are more challenging and need to be prioritized to ensure the objectives and directions of the department can be achieved successfully.

MACHANG, JULY 24^TH 2022:Dr. Nagulendaran A/L Kangayatkarusu, Deputy Secretary General (Planning & Science Culture), MOSTI, was attending for the handing over ceremony of the new Paddy Seed IS21 to the farmers of the Machang Area Farmers' Organisation on July 24th, 2022 at the Bukit Tiu Sawah Site, Machang, Kelantan.

The MOSTI program was implemented in collaboration with the Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang Kelantan in conjunction with the Jelajah Aspirasi Keluarga Malaysia (JAKM), held from 22 to 24 July 2022 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium Compound in Kota Bharu.

The distribution of IS21 rice seeds to the farmers is one of the corporate social responsibility efforts for the people of Kelantan, reflecting Nuclear Malaysia research for the people.

This impactful program is expected to improve strategic collaboration and rapport between Nuklear Malaysia and local communities.

CHERAS, JULY 8^th, 2022 – Nuklear Malaysia took its Nuclear Education Outreach (NEO) programme further with SM Sains Alam Shah yesterday. The programme was organised in conjunction with ASiS STREAM Carnival 2022 which focussed on attracting youth and students to choose Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) for their tertiary education. The programme was also attended by teachers and students from Sekolah Menengah Sains Seri Puteri and Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor.

The carnival started with a radiation talk presented by Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) officer, Abdul Shukor Abdul Aziz, followed by Nuklear Malaysia officer, Nasaai Masngut who shared an enormous benefit of being a nuclear scientist through career talk. With the recorded attendance of approximately 640 participants, students later took part in exhibition activities conducted by both agencies.

This programme is expected to boost students' interest in STEM fields for tertiary education while taking the opportunity to reset the community's stigma on nuclear.

GENTING HIGHLANDS, 30^th JUNE 2022 –Nuklear Malaysia actively promotes the Nuclear Education Outreach Program (NEO) in fostering interest and exposure to nuclear technology to school students. This time, Nuklear Malaysia collaborated in “Kami Prihatin Program” of SMK Sri Layang in conjunction with the corporate smart interweaving with the Aminuddin Baki Institute Genting Highlands Branch organized by SMGH Class 4 NPQEL participants (2022).

Nuklear Malaysia was invited to deliver a career talk and conduct hands-on activities for the students. The program started with the career talk delivered by Mr. Nasaai Masngut. Later, the program continued with hands-on activities involving two activities. Students were divided into two groups for background monitoring and cloud chamber activities. This activity was conducted by Mr. Nasaai Masngut, Mrs. Nor Azlina Nordin, Mr. Mohd Sha Affandi, Mrs. Siti Aishah Ahmad Fuzi and Mrs. Norhazirah Azhar.

For the record, a total of 84 students participated, with program ended at 1.00 pm with the prize giving ceremony to all participants.

MELAKA, JUNE 28^th, 2022: Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP),The Malacca State Development Corporation (PKNM), MARA University of Technology (UiTM), Technical University of Malaysia, Melaka (UTeM), Malaysian Book Publishers Association (MABOPA), and Majalahsains.com all have pledged their support for the Scientific Publication and Writing Forum 2022, hosted by Nuklear Malaysia. Dr Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, present for the opening ceremony.

 Augmenting Science and Technology Writing was the theme of the 13th seminar, which was also the first to be conducted in hybrid mode. This theme is pertinent to the idea that science and technology could not reach the audience without this form of written communication.

In the area of scientific publishing, Nuklear Malaysia and DBP have a long-standing partnership and mutual understanding. The resourceful DBP, collaborated with research institute such as Nuklear Malaysia has proven to be an outstanding combo.

BANGI, JUNE 28^th, 2022: The PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor Symposium was held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the PUSPATI TRIGA Reactor (RTP) from June 28 to June 29, 2022, at the Tun Dr. Ismail Hall, Malaysian Nuclear Agency. For the record, TRIGA stands for Training, Radioisotope production and General Atomic.

The RTP's strong commitment in assisting with the growth of the nation's STI is evident in the choice of the symposium theme, "Our Nuclear Future: From Policy to Reality". Dr. Rosli bin Darmawan, Deputy Director General (Research Programme And Technology Development), presided over the symposium's opening ceremony.  Ts. Dr. Ishak bin Mansor, Director of Technical Support Division, and Dr. Julia binti Abdul Karim, Manager of PUSPATI Triga Reactor, also present.

The RTP Symposium, which is held along with National Science Week, should be able to develop into a platform for dialogue and a network of research communities linked to events in RTP with the local community.

BANGI, JUNE 24^th, 2022- Nuklear Malaysia has taken steps forward in creative industry by organizing the Indesign Graphic Workshop on 22^nd and 23^rd June. The workshop which was held in the computer room was officiated by the Director of the Information Management Division of Nuklear Malaysia, Ms. Habibah Adnan. For the record, a total of 20 participants participated and explored their creative ways in Indesign.

The workshop was aimed to provide space for creativity and exposure to staff at Nuklear Malaysia who are directly involved in the field of graphics. The need for knowledgeable and skilled staff in graphic design is ever growing, and with a lot of opportunities.

DENGKIL, JUNE 24^th, 2022 - Dr. Muhamad Akmal bin Saleh, a state assemblyman from Merlimau, visited the Malaysian Nuclear Agency on June 24, 2022. The visit took place in Block 44 of Dengkil Complex.

The assemblyman appearance was to forge a strategic collaboration between Nuklear Malaysia and the Merlimau State Assembly in Melaka, including reviewing and exchanging information on the usage of nuclear technology applications related to agriculture in general and the cultivation of IS21 rice in particular.

Also present were Dr. Rosli bin Darmawan, Deputy Director General of the Technology Research and Development Program, Ts. Dr. Azhar bin Mohamad, Director of the Agrotechnology and Bioscience Division.

DENGKIL, JUNE 23^rd, 2022 - The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Dato' Sri Dr. Adham Baba, visited the Gamma Green house (GGH) at the Dengkil Complex, Nuklear Malaysia, today for a working visit. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has designated GGH as the IAEA Collaboration Center (ICC), making it the only greenhouse with chronic irradiation facilities in Malaysia.

The caesium-137 radiation source used by this GGH, which has a radius of 15 metres, emits low-dose gamma radiation. In this GGH, plant samples were set up on isodose lines and exposed to light at low dose levels for a protracted length of time (chronic irradiation). There will be random genetic or mutagenic modifications. In order to find variations with the needed properties, these samples will be evaluated and screened.

Researchers, university students, and instructors from local and abroad are concentrating on this GGH for their research-related work to advance their skills and understanding in the aberration of novel plant kinds employing mutagenesis methods.

The Minister was also taken to ;

•  Alurtron Irradiation Plant (ALURTRON), a facility for commercial and R&D electron groove irradiation services.
• The MINTEc-Sinagamma Irradiation Plant, which employs gamma radiation, an ionising form of energy, from Cobalt-60. This radiation facility, known as the JS10000 (IR-219), is used in this irradiation plant and can be used to simultaneously expose variety of items requiring various dosages.

BANGI, JUNE 7^th, 2022-Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of the Malaysia Nuclear Agency was invited to Slot Jendela Fikir - Bernama Radio with a topic on the Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology in conjunction with the Minggu Sains Negara Keluara Malaysia 2022 (MSNKM 2022).

This slot is one of the promotional media for MSNKM 2022, an annual activity conducted jointly by Nuklear Malaysia and AELB as the organizer for June 2022. For the record, MSNKM 2022 is in its 5^th year and expected to last until October 2022. Various spin-off programs as well as competition were held, all in accordance with science, technology and innovation themes.

Kuala Lumpur, JUNE 7^th, 2022- The Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival (PBAKL) 2022 witnessesa launching ceremony of published books organized by the Public Books Division, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) at the grand stage here in WTC.

The launching was commemorated by Tun Datuk Seri Utama Dr. Mohd. Khalil Yaakob, Former Premier of Melaka, Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Awang Ariyan, Chairman of the Board of Board of DBP, Chief Executive of PWTC and book authors. Among the books launched were published for 2020-2022 from various fields such as human sciences, social sciences, religious book and science and technology. The ceremony aims to celebrate authors who have successfully published under DBP in malay.

Published book have roles in building, enriching informative material for people. Moreover,quality books are made reference for science and technology as well as in social sciences and humanities.

Congratulations to Dr. Muhammad Rawi bin Mohamed Zin, Senior Director of the Management Program of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia), the author for "Nuclear Reactor Research and Training" who was also present at this ceremony. His book was ready since 2021 and may be obtained from DBP bookstore and selected bookstore.

KUALA TERENGGANU, 3^rd JUNE 2022– Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad bin Hashim, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovations (MOSTI) has completed the handing over of IS21 rice seeds to the farmers of Lembaga Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Kuala Terengganu in Kampung Kubang Tangga. More than 200 bags of IS21 rice seeds Malaysia were distributed to 50 farmers which was a corporate social responsibility effort for the people in Kuala Terengganu.

This contribution is expected to boost morale to the farmers, therefore establishing better rapport between Nuklear Malaysia and other collaborative partners. The event were also attended by several officers from MOSTI, Director General of Nuklear Malaysia and others.

BANGI, JUNE 2nd,2022- In conjunction with Keluarga Malaysia National Science Week (MSNKM) 2022, one session Forum entitled Sembang 5G: Keperluan Teknologi dan Aspek Keselamatan Forum has been successfully conducted virtually today. Jointly organized by Nuklear Malaysia and AELB, the Forum featured distinguished panel members in the 5G Technology. Habibah Adnan (Director of Information Management Division, Nuklear Malaysia) as a Moderator, steer a discussion with three invited panelists Prof. Dr. Tharek Abd. Rahman (MCMC Commission Members), Malini Ramalingam (Head of Department Digital Demand Creation, MCMC) and Roha Tukimin (Research Officer, Nuklear Malaysia) on Malaysian 5G security, issues and challenges. One of the most important key points  highlighted in this Forum was 5G technology was able to change the digital trajectory of the nation’s economy as well as generating significant benefits by improving the communication quality, data transmission, research and even entertainment on a global scale for a modern lifestyle.

BANGI, JUNE 1^st, 2022 - The National Science Week, commonly referred as MSN returned for 2022 aligned with "Keluarga Malaysia" branding, a concept introduced by the incumbent Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob. Themed "Merakyatkan Sains, Menginsankan Teknologi", the MSN focused on 7 cores element, with each element is allocated for the entire month. Among the chose cores are Planetary Health, Biotech and Chemistry, Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology and Social Innovation. Other cores including Engineering, Space and Nanotech were also chosen, all in conjunction with prominent theme in science, technology and innovation (STI).

Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) along with AELB and National Science Center (PSN) was appointed to organize the MSN for June with Peaceful Use of Nuclear Technology. A variety of program were planned including Chemical Safety Workshop, Forums and Pocket Talk. A range of competition and exhibition were also held in several location. The MSN 2022 is expected to educate public on matters related to STI and the benefit of nuclear technology in general.

May 26, 2022 -  Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of Nuclear Malaysia, and the top management and Nuclear Malaysia staff gathered this morning at the Tun Ismail Hall, Block 11, Bangi Complex, for the Malaysian Nuclear Monthly Assembly for May 2022.

This is Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun's first Monthly Assembly since his appointment as Director General of Nuclear Malaysia on April 11, 2022. As a result, during his speech and mandate, he called on all Nuclear Malaysia staff to work as a team to ensure that what is planned is implemented well and that the goals set by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) are met, and that the results of the research generated through the research carried out benefit the people and the country.

May 23, 2022 (KOTA KINABALU) - Dr. Rosli bin Darmawan, Deputy Director General (Research Programme Technology Development) of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, led a courtesy visit to YB Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Sabah, at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Office, Wisma Pertanian, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Participating in the courtesy visit were YBrs. Tuan Haji Ab Aziz Bin Ab Kadir, Chairman of the National Kenaf Tobacco Board (LKTN), as well as the top management of LKTN.

The goal of this joint meeting was to look at the joint venture projects between LKTN and the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, as well as to gain knowledge and share ideas for the planning of development projects that can be developed through joint ventures, as well as the sharing of expertise and technology between LKTN and Nuclear Malaysia for the benefit of the people of Sabah, particularly in the development of industries based on biocomposite materials.

KOTA KINABALU, MAY 22, 2022: Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of Nuclear Malaysia, as well as delegation paid an official working visit to Sabah from May 22^nd to 23^rd, 2022. During the visits, several cooperation projects and joint ventures  with locals were visited to review the development of projects involving nuclear technology,  all for the benefit of Sabahans.

Among those visited were the Biocomposite Floating Anchovies Capture Project in Kota Belud, the Black Pepper Plant Support Pillar Project in Kg. Lokos, Tuaran, and the Liquid Smoke Development Project in Ranau.

Ab Aziz bin Ab Kadir, Chairman of the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN), with Idris bin Mohd Salleh, Director General of LKTN, and Baharuddin bin Dato' Mokhsen, Chairman of the Malaysian Pepper Board, with Vincent Sawat, Deputy Director, Malaysian Pepper Board, are also participating in this official working visit.

KUCHING, APR 27^TH, 2022- Dr. Abdul Rahim Harun, Director General of Nuklear Malaysia, continued his tour in Sarawak with a courtesy visit to the Sarawak Ministry of Agriculture, Customs, Land, and Regional Development (MANRED). Datuk Dr. Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ismail, Deputy Modernization of Agriculture and Regional Development (Modernization of Agriculture) was there to welcome the delegation. Datuk Edwin Abit, Permanent Secretary of the MANRED, Senior Ministry Officers, and the Director of the Sarawak State Agriculture Department were also present at the meeting.

The goal of this visit was to forge further strategic collaboration between Nuklear Malaysia and the Sarawak State Government to produce and grow the new IS21 rice seeds.

During the visit, various opinions were exchanged in order to identify potential and opportunities in the rice industry for the benefit of Sarawak development as well as economy.

KUCHING, APR 26^TH, 2022- Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of Nuclear Malaysian Agency, paid a courtesy visit to Datuk Sri Zaidi bin Haji Mahdi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development of Sarawak (MUDENR).

The visit was aimed to discuss technical issues and offering Nuklear Malaysia's expertise and facilities in the field of conducting preliminaries screening for rare earth elements exploration in potential areas. Such methods including safety assessment and radiological pollution to the environment and workers. Impact on soil structure and groundwater studies for potential areas, as well as the study of the rare earth extraction quality were also discussed.

This meeting is expected to serve as a platform for Nuklear Malaysian to expand its strategic collaboration, while together promoting its expertise to key industrial players.

BANDAR TENGGARA, APR 24TH, 2022 - Dato' Sri Dr. Adham Baba paid a visit to 65 inhabitants of local community rehabilitation centre (PDK), Bandar Tenggara during Corporate Social Responsibility Programme (CSR) and Ihya' Ramadan jointly organised by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB). PDK is a center providing development programmes for rehabilitation, training, education, equalisation of opportunities, and social integration of people with various special needs.

The programme was aimed as part of an effort to strengthen the rapport aligned with the concept of  "Keluarga Malaysia", one of MOSTI's commitments, and as an informative delivery platform to reach all level regardless of their physical ability.

Also present were Datuk Zainal Abidin bin Abu Hassan, Secretary General of MOSTI; Datuk Ts. Dr. Mohd Noor Azman bin Hassan, Deputy Secretary General (Technological Development) MOSTI; Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Director General of Nuklear Malaysia; Ts. Hasmadi bin Hassan, Director General of AELB; and other senior officers.

BANGI, APR 22^ND 2022- Nuklear Malaysia welcoming Dato' Sri Dr Adham Baba for his visit to the Medical Technology Division on April 21, 2022. The MOSTI Minister was welcomed by Director General of Nuklear Malaysia, Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun.

Dr. Mohd. Azlan bin Zaharudin, Deputy Secretary (Strategic Technology and Applications), Dr. Rosli bin Darmawan (Deputy Director General of Technology Research and Development Programme), Dr. Ishak bin Mansor, and other Nuklear Malaysia officers were also present during the visit.

The purpose of the visit was to learn more on the role of nuclear applications in specialised medicine for disease detection and treatment.  The Minister was taken to survey several facilities on site, including the Sm-153 production laboratory, the Tecnetium-99m production facility, and the Iodine-131 capsules manufacturing. Finally, the delegates were taken on a tour of the quality control laboratory.

Nuklear Malaysia manufactures radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical products subjected to stringent quality control to ensure quality and its safety for medicinal use.

The 44^th Regional Meeting of National RCA Representatives (NRM) was held on last 19-21 April 2022 virtually in the same manner as the previous NRM due to the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic.  Malaysia was represented by Dr Abdul Rahim Harun, Director General of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency who acts as the National RCA Representative for Malaysia (RCA NR).  Delegates from 22 RCA Government Parties, the Chair of the RCA Programme Advisory Committee and Working Groups, and representatives from the RCA Regional Office participated in the meeting. It was also attended by the Director-General of the IAEA, Deputy Director-General and Head of Technical Cooperation Department, Deputy Director-General and Head of Nuclear Sciences and Applications Department, Director and Section Heads of Asia and the Pacific Division, RCA Focal Person, and other relevant IAEA officers.  Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam and Director General of IAEA delivered their statements during the opening ceremony. The meeting was chaired by the RCA NR of Vietnam as the current RCA Chair to discuss issues relating to policies, overall management, and planning of the RCA Programme, including the upcoming RCA 50th anniversary celebration.

On-line participants of the 44th RCA Meeting of National RCA Representatives

(Bottom right: Dr Abdul Rahim Harun, Director General of Nuklear Malaysia).

LANGKAWI, APRIL 10TH, 2022: Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Deputy Director General (Research and Technology Development), has paid a courtesy visit to Tuan Haji Nasaruddin bin Abdul Muttalib, CEO of the Langkawi Development Authority, (LADA) along with delegation from Nuclear Malaysia.

The delegation was taken to the Laman Padi site in Cenang, Langkawi, to explore the potential and opportunities of IS21 rice seeds being planted in the area as part of a promotion to introduce the new rice seeds to local and international tourists who visiting the attraction site.

Throughout this visit, various perspectives, ideas, support, and proposals for future strategic cooperation between LADA and Nuclear Malaysia were shared. Future potential collaboration for the benefit of Langkawi Island's development and economy in the rice industry were also discussed.

BANGI, APR 7th,2022 - Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) received a courtesy visit from the Rusatom Automated Control System (RASU) delegation last 7 April. The delegation consists of 4 representatives of RASU, namely Mr. Butko Andrei (CEO of RASU), Mr. Egorov Alexander (CEO Advisor), Ms. Kravchenko Yulia (Project Manager) and Dr. Anton Tyurin. The courtesy visit aims to explore opportunities for cooperation between RASU and Nuklear Malaysia in the field of nuclear instrumentation & control (I&C).

Courtesy call by the RASU delegation to Nuklear Malaysia

The seminar by RASU was attended by staff of Nuklear Malaysia

RASU is a subsidiary of State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) which is the foremost leader for I&C and electrical engineering industries in Russia. ROSATOM is one of the pioneers of the nuclear industry and has been at the forefront of the international nuclear market, with new high-tech products for hydrogen energy, nuclear medicine and composite materials.

In conjunction with the RASU visit, a seminar was also held for Nuklear Malaysia. Representatives of RASU presented their activities in RASU covering engineering, design, delivery and commissioning of I&C systems and electrical equipment related to nuclear industry in Russia as well as abroad.

BANGI, APRIL 5^TH, 2022 - Malaysian Nuclear Agency has received yet another visit from the Healthcare Management Programme, University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), led by Dr Hemaniswarri Dewi a/p Dewadas and Dr Nik Raihan bin Nik Mansor. A number of 10 students currently enrolled in the program were also participating.This visit is intended to expose students to the technology related to the use of radioactive materials in medicine, radiation safety, and radioactive waste management, all to fulfill the course requirements.

Prior to the visit, a briefing was delivered by Muhammad Asyraf bin Mat Siliji from the Corporate Communications Unit on matters related to the facilities and services offered. Dr. Siti Najilah binti Mohd Janib and Dr. Azahari bin Kasbollah, both prominent Research Officers from the Medical Technology Division (BTP) also delivered key points related to their products and services. Participants were also brought on a tour to several laboratories in the BTP and Waste Technology Development Center (WASTEC).

On 24 March 2022, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) received a visit from the Ambassador for Arms Control & Counter-Proliferation, Australia Mr. Ian Biggs. He is welcome by Dr. Abdul Rahim Harun, the Deputy Director General of the Research and Development Program. His visit to Nuklear Malaysia was to explore an opportunity for a strategic partnership between Australia and Malaysia in various fields related to nuclear science and technology, especially in the area connected to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Nuklear Malaysia is the liaison agency between Malaysia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the National Authority for the Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Testing Treaty's (CTBT) implementation in Malaysia. Malaysia signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968, the Comprehensive Nuclear Weapons Testing Treaty (CTBT) in 1998, and the Nuclear Weapons Prohibition Treaty (TPNW) in 2017. Malaysia is among the countries that have proposed and developed the Weapons Free Zone Agreement. Nuclear Southeast Asia (SEANWFZ) or the 1995 Bangkok Agreement under the auspices of ASEAN. Nuclear Malaysia welcomed the visit and see it as the opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the CTBT Malaysia National Data Center (My-NDC) and the CTBT Australia National Data Center. This visit also as an opportunity to explore new strategic partnership in the relevant areas. Apart from areas related to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, Malaysia and Australia have also collaborated through the RCA/IAEA Project led by Australia as the Key Coordinating Country through the following projects:

• RAS7031 Assessing the Vulnerability of Coastal Landscapes and Ecosystems to Sea-level Rise and Climate Change

• RAS7037 Enhancing Wetland Management and Sustainable Conservation Planning

• RAS5091 Assessing and Mitigating Agro-Contaminants to Improve Water Quality and Soil Productivity in Catchments Using Integrated Isotopic Approaches

Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (KLN) and the Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI) also joined the visit.

BANGI, MARCH 22^ND 2022– AKRAB Nuklear Malaysia has organized a talk on Mental Health Management at Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail (DTI). The talk was opened with remarks from Dr. Muhammad Rawi bin Mohammad Zin and was attended by more than 71 participants from various divisions.

There were four modules delivered altogether; Introduction to Stress, Influence of Stress in the Work Environment and Performance. Additionally, Emotional Management and Self-Motivation for Excellence topics were also discussed by three speakers from Department of Women Development, Ministry of Women, Family & Community Development.

This program was aimed to help participants improving their skills in identifying causes, managing and maintaining their mental health as well as managing emotion, thus creating a more harmonious and conducive work environment.

BANGI, MARCH 18^TH 2022– Lt. General Dato’ Indera Hj Yazid bin Hj Arshad, Commander of the Joint Forces Command, was present today to pay a courtesy call to Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Deputy Director General (R&D Programme), with the purpose to discuss on Biocomposite Jetty Project.

A briefing was commenced immediately upon arrival followed by discussion. Later, the delegation was taken to a tour of the floating jetty sample site and the polymer plant.

Also present were Dr Rosli bin Darmawan, Deputy Director General (Technical Service Programme), Dr. Hasni binti Hasan, Director of Radiation Processing Technology Division and related research officers.

SEKINCHAN, MARCH 16^TH, 2022– After a brief visit to the local plant in Nuklear Malaysia, The Strategic Planning Division of the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), continue to show their interest and paid a visit to a paddy seed production plant in Sekinchan, Selangor.

The site visit was held in response to Nuclear Malaysia's accomplishments in producing the NMR 152 rice seed variant through the induction mutation process using nuclear technology known as IS21, which officially launched in November 2021 by the Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob.

Dr. Sobri Bin Hussein, representing Nuklear Malaysia, as well as a representative from HMN Sdn. Bhd, were also present during the site visit.

BANGI, MARCH 15^TH, 2022 - Eight officers led by Ruziah Binti Shafie, Secretary of the Strategic Planning Division, of MOSTI has paid visit to Nuklear Malaysia. This visit was aimed to improve the understanding of the Strategic Planning Division, MOSTI as the coordinator in the planning and reporting of the strategic planning. The visit also provide understanding pertaining to the key functions of Nuklear Malaysia including but not limited to laboratory and testing facilities involved in the production of the new high-tech paddy seeds project. MOSTI’s delegation were also directed to learn the scientific methods and equipment employed behind the scene. 

Dr. Abdul Rahim bin Harun, Deputy Director General (R&D Program), and other senior officers of Nuclear Malaysia welcomed the delegation. This visit is expected to foster the bilateral collaboration between MOSTI and Nuklear Malaysia to a new height.

ENDAU, MARCH 9, 2022– The Prime Minister handed over 500 bags of IS21 paddy seeds weighing 20kg each to the farmers in Endau, Johor. The seeds were produced by Nuclear Malaysia through the use of nuclear technology. Precedingly, similar event was also completed by the Prime Minister on Nov 20^th, 2021 in Sekinchan, Selangor.

Also present at the ceremony was Dato' Sri Dr. Adham bin Baba, Minister of Science, Technology dan Innovation (MOSTI), as well as senior officers from MOSTI and Nuclear Malaysia.

According to the report, the IS21 paddy is said to be 20% cost effective ratio in comparison with other seeds, while also yielding up to 9 tons for each harvesting season. The seed is expected to improve yield by up to 67% higher than the average national yield.  Endau community as the recipient will benefit by earning more in the long run.

KUALA TERENGGANU, MAC 7^TH, 2022- The INFLUENCER @ JAPEN recording session took place on February 7, 2022 at Kuala Kopi Lounge, Primula Beach Hotel, Kuala Terengganu. Ts. Dr. Husaini bin Salleh, Director of Radiation Safety and Health Division, participated in the interview, which was conducted with the cooperation of the Department of Information Malaysia, Terengganu, on the topic "Nuclear Technology Contribution to the Community."

The initiative which was perceived by the Department of Information Malaysia (JaPen), became a platform for the rapid dissemination of information through social media and virtual face-to-face communication. The presentation was shared on JaPen's Facebook page, discussing topics related to government policies and current issues as well as involving works from strategic partners from ministries and federal agencies, state governments, public universities, and non-governmental organizations. Issues related were also covered in this programme involving panelists specialising in their respective fields.

This platform is expected to convey messages and information to the public on the importance and contribution of nuclear technology.

BANGI, FEB 25th 2022- Mohd Sidek bin Othman, Senior Director of Commercialization & Technology Planning Program marks his last day today on February 25, 2022. After being in service for almost 38 years, he finally steps down as a public servant at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, ending his long prosperous career rather gallantly.

As the man who are responsible for the commercialization of product and service of nuclear technology, he was first experienced in the irradiation technology and developed current system implemented in Sinagama, an irradiation facility. Going beyond the call of duty, he always strive for customer satisfaction, particularly in the field of commercial and nuclear irradiation technology, making him popular among clients. The credibility demonstrated during his service has placed him in the highest management ranks of Nuclear Malaysia, by taking the position of Senior Director, Commercializing Program & Technology Planning.

As a result of his effective service, Nuclear Malaysia has progressively advancing. His commitment has tremendously helped the country, particularly in the fields of nuclear research and technology.

KUALA LUMPUR, FEB 24^TH, 2022- Malaysian Nuclear Agency in collaboration with the Structural Forensic Service Division of the Public Works Department (JKR) had performed materials examination using non-destructive test (NDT) method on selected posts surrounding National Parliament building. Inspection works were carried out for four (4) days from February 21 to 24, 2022, led by Dr. Nor'Paiza bin Mohamad Hasan, the Director of Industrial Technology Division, with the involvement of research officers from Nuclear Malaysia.

This material investigation work was carried out as part of strategic collaboration and CSR approach using nuclear technology to assist in the maintenance and conservation of the National Parliament building, which is considered a national heritage asset.

The NDT method utilised computed tomography (CT) to analyse the material composition and internal structure of building. The mobile gamma ray computed tomography system (Gamma CT) was used on the post to produce 2D cross-sectional images to assess material condition.