PUTRAJAYA: The country’s sole nuclear research reactor – the Triga Puspati Reactor (RTP) – has achieved numerous successes in research and education while continuing to produce future scientists.
RTP manager of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Dr Julia Abdul Karim, said RTP, which has been operating since 1982, has contributed enormously to society by supporting the development of nuclear science and its practical applications.
“Designed as a multi-purpose reactor, RTP enables Malaysia to build expertise in neutron research, radioisotope production and various applications across various sectors including medicine, agriculture and industry.“RTP has played an important role in building human capacity, training researchers, engineers and technicians who are now major contributors to the Malaysian scientific community,” she said in a statement, Bernama reported.
Julia said from 2015 until now, more than 1,000 students from local and international universities have utilised RTP for research, training and thesis projects.“In the course, they acquired practical knowledge and skills in nuclear science and technology,” she said.
Julia said RTP has also screened more than 250,000 samples from environmental and food products to consumer goods for the purpose of analysis.
“This has strengthened Malaysia’s position in research and ensured that critical studies are in line with international standards,” she said.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang was earlier reported to have said that his ministry is carrying out a technical study on the RTP replacement plan.
According to the minister, the study is part of the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 strategy.
It also aims to strengthen the development of nuclear technology in Malaysia, he said.
