Kuala lumpur: The Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been granted royal assent by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, and gazetted as the Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Act 2025 (Act A1779). The legislation is scheduled to come into partial force on December 1, 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) announced that Act A1779 strengthens the legal framework governing atomic energy activities. The Act aims to enhance worker, public, and environmental protection against risks associated with atomic energy, while ensuring the safety and security of radioactive and nuclear materials.

The Act introduces measures to control the use of nuclear materials, establishes liability for nuclear damage, and includes provisions for related matters. MOSTI highlighted that the amended Act expands the scope of regulation to include safety, security, and safeguards, aligning with international standards and best practices.

The expansion of the regulatory scope is also in line with international atomic energy instruments, serving as a preparatory measure for Malaysia to sign and ratify such agreements. According to MOSTI, the Act will be enforced in stages, with specific provisions regarding permits, financial guarantees for licenses, the Radioactive Waste Fund, and penalties for offences to be implemented once the necessary regulations are drafted.

MOSTI emphasized the Department of Atomic Energy’s commitment to enforcing Act A1779, ensuring that safety, security, and the regulation of atomic energy activities remain a priority, thereby protecting workers, the public, and the environment, while safeguarding national interests.