RM5.3mil to upgrade facilities, address food security issues, Chang tells Dewan


KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Sept -- Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Chang Lih Kang ketika sesi perbahasan usul Kajian Separuh Penggal Rancangan Malaysia ke-12 (KSP RMK12) di Dewan Rakyat hari ini. --fotoBERNAMA (2023) HAK CIPTA TERPELIHARA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry is allocating RM5.3mil until 2025 to upgrade the nuclear technology application facilities and laboratories of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuklear Malaysia) in an effort to address the country’s food security issues.

Its Minister Chang Lih Kang (pic) said the project, which started this year, seeks to improve food safety and security by increasing agro-food productivity through mutation breeding techniques.

"In addition, the stable isotope technique is used to determine the authenticity of the food and verify the origin of the product," he said when winding up the debate for his ministry on the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-Term Review at the Dewan Rakyat here on Tuesday (Sept 19).

Chang said that the Ministry, as the leader of the science, technology, and innovation (STI) agenda, also played a role in helping to further strengthen the country’s food security through the use of technology.

"The use of technology such as drones and robotics by local companies for the process of spraying fertiliser and planting trees can increase efficiency, thus reducing dependence on foreign labour.

"In addition, the Malaysia Commercialisation Year (MCY) initiative has increased the commercialisation of local research and innovation from universities, institutions and local research agencies, where 474 local research and development (R&D) products or technologies have been commercialised and marketed, generating RM540mil in sales revenue," he said.

Chang said one of the outcomes of research on the agro-food sector done by agencies under the Ministry was the production of NMR 152 rice seeds by Nuklear Malaysia.

He said the seeds can produce up to 10 tonnes of rice per hectare, compared to around six tonnes using normal seeds.

"The production of NMR 152 seeds has also received various international recognitions, including the IAEA’s (International Atomic Energy Agency) Outstanding Achievement Award, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) on Mutation Breeding in 2021 and 2014, and the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Award 2020," he said.

In the meantime, Chang said his Ministry was preparing guidelines for the feasibility study of space launch technology to ensure that the proposed launch site meets all the requirements set by the government.

He said that the industry interested in establishing a launch site should submit a feasibility report based on the guidelines for government evaluation purposes.

"The government will hold engagement sessions with the local community if the study shows that the launch site is feasible," he said. - Bernama

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Chang Lih Kang , Dewan Rakyat , Mosti , Food Security ,

   

Next In Nation

Kelantan proposes constructing wall along Malaysia-Thailand border
Body of missing drowned teenager found near Teluk Sengat
MACC to continue recording statements from FashionValet founders on Nov 6
Bernama, China Media Group exchange MOU to strengthen media cooperation
Anwar, Li witness exchange of documents on BRI cooperation plan
Elderly vegetable trader loses RM274,000 to scam syndicate
Typhoon Kristine mission: 16 Malaysian Air Force officers, personnel return home safely
Perlis Mufti sues Facebook account holder for alleged GISB related defamatory statements
Plans to amend Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act underway, says Saifuddin
Appeals Court dismisses man’s appeal to claim RM29,000 in unpaid salary from company

Others Also Read