With IAEA, Malaysia sets up nuclear security repository

KUALA LUMPUR – In a landmark partnership, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has agreed to set up a nuclear security rental equipment repository in Malaysia to help combat nuclear terrorism in the region.

The equipment – bought by the IAEA through funding from Japan – will be stationed at Malaysia’s Nuclear Security Support Centre (NSSC) operated by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board.

According to IAEA, the equipment will be used to train front-line officers and law enforcement personnel in radiation detection techniques to prevent terrorist attacks using radioactive materials.

“Nuclear or other radioactive material lost or stolen may mean a vulnerability at national facilities or borders, and this type of equipment is key to detecting such material,” said IAEA nuclear security division director Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan.

“This loaner pool of radiation detection equipment is an example of how international cooperation — in this case trilateral cooperation between the IAEA, Malaysia and Japan — can strengthen nuclear security.”

The agreement was signed by Adnan and AELB Director-General Mohd Pauzi Mohd Sobari at a virtual ceremony in late September.

“With this enhanced technical capacity, we look forward to leveraging our national capabilities and lessons-learned to enhance harmonised implementation of nuclear security in the region,” said Sobari.

Under the terms of the agreement, the IAEA will station personal radiation detectors, radionuclide identification devices and backpack radiation detectors at NSSC.

Prior to the agreement, those wanting to rent IAEA’s equipment has to deal with Austria’s Vienna – where IAEA’s headquarter is located.

“Shipment of the equipment back to the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, where it is maintained and stored, adds costs and time; and may preclude quick re-deployment to other destinations.

“Stationing and maintaining the equipment closer to the location of events speeds up this deployment process, saving time and resources,” said IAEA. – The Vibes, October 9, 2020