Kuala lumpur: Nuclear technology is no longer confined to the lab. It has become a catalyst for national economic growth, driving the commercialisation of research, fuelling high-tech industries, and expanding export markets. Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) director-general Dr Muhammad Rawi Mohamed Zin said this aligns with the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 (DTNN 2030).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the policy targets six focus sectors: medicine and healthcare; food and agriculture; device and equipment manufacturing; environmental and natural resource management; industrial applications; and nuclear safety and security. Dr Muhammad Rawi noted that each sector is economically valuable and capable of strengthening local value chains. He emphasized the role of nuclear technology in creating opportunities for local companies to produce high-value products and attract foreign investment.
The application of nuclear technology extends across various industries. In the medical field, it supports the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals, bolstering the potential for medical tourism. The technology also enhances the durability of rubber gloves and extends the shelf life of food through irradiation, meeting export market standards. The industrial sector benefits from its use in semiconductor and electronic system production. Security applications include the manufacturing of X-ray machines for border control.
Dr Muhammad Rawi highlighted the economic gains from nuclear technology, with exports of local nuclear products projected to reach RM6 billion between 2021 and 2025, surpassing the RM2.403 billion target for 2030. This growth is evidenced by the involvement of 348 local companies exporting products such as X-ray apparatus and medical equipment to international markets including Singapore, Brunei, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and Thailand.
As part of DTNN 2030, efforts are underway to establish a centralised production hub for radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals in Malaysia. This includes developing a 30 mega-electron volt cyclotron facility to enhance the country's medical radioisotope production. Dr Muhammad Rawi stated that this development aims to integrate Malaysia into the regional radioisotope supply chain, maximizing the impact of nuclear technology on the medical industry both locally and regionally.