Atomic Energy Act 1984 (Malay: Akta Tenaga Atom 1984), formerly known as Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is the main legislation that governs the use of atomic energy and nuclear materials in Malaysia. It also established the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), which oversees the regulation and licensing of nuclear installation, radioactive material, nuclear material, and irradiating apparatus in Malaysia.
History In the 1960s, radiation and radioisotopes began to gain considerable utilization in the fields of research, engineering and medicine in Malaysia, particularly the use of X-ray in public and private healthcare facilities. This prompted the government to pass the Radioactive Substances Act 1968 to regulate their uses.
However, after Malaysia's accession to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1969 and the construction of the TRIGA PUSPATI research reactor in Bangi in 1972, use of radition and radioisotopes in various fields increased significantly and the Malaysian government deemed the Radioactive Substances Act 1968 no longer be able to provide an adequate regulatory framework to control the use of atomic energy and nuclear materials.
Hence, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 was proposed and passed by the Dewan Rakyat on 6 April 1984, and by the Dewan Negara on 25 April the same year. On 1 February 1985, the Act fully came into force.
The Act remain unamended for 41 years until 2025, where a major amendment was passed to broaden the regulatory framework under the Act in compliance with international standards, and to explicitly ban the use and manufacturing of nuclear weapons. The amendment, which partially came into force on 1 December 2025, also provide a new regulatory framework for future adoption of nuclear power in Malaysia, but the government indicated that Malaysia will only decide on its adoption after 2030.
Legal provisions This Act is divided into 13 parts and one schedule, as follows:
Part I: Preliminary Part II: Atomic Energy Licensing Board (repealed) Part IIA: Atomic Energy Advisory Council Part III: Control and Licensing Part IV: Cancellation, Suspension and Renewal of Licenses and Permits Part V: Health and Safety Part VA: Security Part VB: Safeguards Part VI: Decommissioning and Management of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Part VII: Appeals Part VIII: Inspection and Enforcement Part VIIIA: Offences Relating to Security Part IX: Liability for Nuclear Damage Part X: General Schedule
Licensing Under Section 15 and 16 of the Act, the AELB handles the licensing of all non-medical-related nuclear activities, while the licensing power of medical-related nuclear activities or apparatus is delegated to the Director General of Health under the Health Ministry.
Note
References
External links
Full text of the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 as of 1 December 2011 Official website of the Department of Atomic Energy of Malaysia