Science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang said the radioactive waste fund will see levies from companies handling radioactive materials collected and spent on proper disposal and long-term management of such waste, especially when these companies give up their licences or go bankrupt.
“The scope of this fund can also be extended to help members of the public who are affected by a nuclear incident.
“It also aims to increase the responsibility of the industry in managing radioactive waste,” he told the Dewan Rakyat when winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan for his ministry.
Chang said the licensees will still be required to pay deposits or secure insurance.
The law, which has been renamed from Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 to the Atomic Energy Act, also offers longer licensing periods of up to 40 years, stiffer penalties, and better enforcement.
S Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput) voiced concern over the 40-year period for licenses and questioned the decision to do away with the licensing board in favour of an advisory council.
He also asked how the public could appeal licensing decisions and whether those affected by radiation could get compensation, adding that long-term licences would make it harder to check and monitor these companies.
Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) said the law was “great”, but there were no details about tapping into nuclear power.
He said the Act’s name is a misnomer as the law merely regulates radioactive substances and their safety, but not nuclear power generation itself.
“This bill is incomplete. There needs to be specific clauses, including provisions for approving the building or operation of nuclear power plants,” he said.
He said that deciding to pursue nuclear power requires more than technical input from the science, technology and innovation ministry. It needs national security and foreign policy considerations, especially in defending the Malacca straits.
Wan Fayhsal said that since the prime minister has visited Russia, this could pave the way for choosing a strategic partner in nuclear development.