SHAH ALAM - Malaysia needs between 700 and 1,200 nuclear professionals for its nuclear power programme, depending on project scale and automation level if the Malaysia Nuclear Power Roadmap proceeds.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the country currently has a small but growing group of nuclear professionals, with about 30 skilled personnel in the field.
He noted that the team is supported by more than 300 research officers at Nuclear Malaysia and science officers at the Atomic Energy Licensing Board.
“The government will plan human capital development in stages to ensure the country’s readiness in terms of technical capability, safety and management if nuclear energy is decided as one of the nation’s sources of electricity generation.”
“Nuclear Malaysia, for instance, has specialised expertise in nuclear engineering and related science and engineering disciplines,” he told Sinar.
He said MOSTI was ready to boost national capacity in training and attracting high-skilled talent if the nuclear power programme is finalised.
“Such steps include the development of specialised training programmes, local and international university collaborations, and technology and expertise transfer via strategic partners,” he said.
Meanwhile, on the government’s approach to educating the public about the importance of nuclear energy, Chang said that his ministry consistently ran advocacy programmes, public education, public engagement and science exhibitions nationwide.
He stressed that advocacy programmes were vital to enhance public understanding of nuclear benefits and address misconceptions and concerns.
“The demand for advocacy programmes in the form of communication and public awareness continues to increase every year in line with public interest in issues related to energy, safety and nuclear technology applications.
“In this regard, additional allocation is needed to ensure 2026 nuclear advocacy programmes are implemented more effectively, strategically and with high impact,” he said.
Chang clarified that the government also leveraged Nuclear Malaysia’s four-decade experience operating the Triga Puspati Research Reactor for research, training and expertise development to educate the public on safe nuclear technology.
That experience proved local capability in responsibly and transparently managing nuclear facilities, which would be used in public communication, training and capacity building if the country advances nuclear power implementation, he said.
“The government’s proactive approach includes public education programmes, seminars, facility or lab visits, informational materials, media campaigns and briefings on nuclear technology and energy for the public.
“The government was committed to tackling misconceptions and concerns by providing accurate, science-based information, explaining safety procedures, radioactive waste management and regulatory mechanisms to ensure safe, transparent nuclear energy with long-term national benefits,” he added.
Radioactive waste management taken seriously
Chang stressed that radioactive waste management is a critical aspect that received serious attention from the government.
If nuclear power is implemented, radioactive waste would be managed safely and in stages according to international standards with long-term monitoring, including post-plant decommissioning, he said.
Operators of nuclear power plants would be responsible for ensuring safe waste management, and no final decision on locations would be made without a clear, comprehensive and sustainable waste management plan, he added.
“Once nuclear power policy decisions are finalised and operators or collaborators are identified, radioactive waste, especially spent fuel, can be returned to the operator’s or collaborator’s home country,” he said.
“This depends on the terms and conditions of the cooperation agreed upon as well as the ownership and management model of nuclear fuel chosen.
“If the country prioritises returning radioactive waste to the origin country, this requirement will be a key criterion in selecting operators and collaborators,” he said.
At the same time, he explained that nuclear plant site selection would consider comprehensive environmental risk assessments, including floods, minor earthquakes and long-term climate change impacts.
These assessments involved technical studies like geology, hydrology and climate change evaluations conducted to international standards for plant safety and long-term resilience, he clarified.
“All assessments will be reviewed by independent regulators and local and international experts, referencing the International Atomic Energy Agency,” he added.
“Any decision on site selection will only be made after risk assessments are verified in a transparent and objective manner, with priority given to public safety and environmental protection.
“The Atomic Energy Licensing Board is responsible as the regulatory authority to ensure all nuclear and radiation safety, security and safeguards responsibilities are properly implemented under national laws and international obligations,” Lih Kang said.