Latest news with #UKM
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Police to enhance training through diploma programmes
KUALA LUMPUR: The police force is set to enhance its training doctrine and human capital development, beginning with the Basic Police Training Programme through the introduction of the Police Diploma Programme. Outgoing Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said one of the four diploma programmes, the Diploma in Police Management, has already been accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) as of May. "The remaining three diploma programmes are expected to be decided upon during the upcoming MQA meeting at the end of July," he said during his farewell address at the Handing Over of Duties ceremony at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) today. He said that to support this initiative, all lecturers at the Kuala Lumpur Police College must now possess at least a Bachelor's degree to meet the required competency standards. "In addition, the police force has established partnerships with local public institutions of higher learning, including Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and is currently in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a holistic Cryptology Initiative. "This collaboration aims to strengthen police's capabilities in the fields of cryptography and cryptanalysis through knowledge transfer, development of specialised training modules, joint research, and the establishment of a fully equipped fintech and bitcoin research lab at UKM," said Razarudin. He also revealed that the force is in the final stages of securing two professional certification programmes in collaboration with UKM's Faculty of Economics and Management.
The Star
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Malaysia proposes Asean Institute
Hand-in-hand: Zambry (sixth from left) with other Asean Higher Education Ministers joining hands for a photo shoot before the start of the meeting in Langkawi. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. LANGKAWI: Malaysia has proposed establishing a dedicated Asean Institute for members of the region, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. The Higher Education Minister said while some countries already have Asean-related research centres at the university level, there is currently no comprehensive institute that brings together the expertise of all Asean member states across various fields. 'Malaysia has offered to host this proposed Asean Institute. 'The rationale is that Malaysia possesses the necessary expertise, with institutions such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), particularly through the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, already conducting studies on Asean and international affairs,' he said during a press conference after the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable: Envisioning the Next Decade and Beyond here yesterday. Zambry said following the discussions with the vice-chancellor of UKM, the proposal has been positively received. He said Malaysia will prepare a concept note to be shared with all Asean members, and the proposal will be submitted to the Asean Secretariat for consideration during the leaders' meeting scheduled for October in Kuala Lumpur. Zambry said another key development during the roundtable is the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Higher Education. He said the matter is highly significant for Asean's long-term vision toward 2045. 'The previous Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Higher Education was adopted in 2015, also in Kuala Lumpur. 'With that declaration reaching its 10-year term, a new framework is required to guide the future direction of Asean higher education,' he said, adding that all member states have officially adopted the declaration during the meeting. He said the new declaration, which covers 2025 to 2045, aligns with the broader Asean vision in 2045. In another development, Zambry said the Higher Education Ministry is working closely with the Foreign Ministry on the whereabouts of seven Malaysian students in Iran. 'During my recent visit to Iran few weeks ago, I was informed that there are about seven Malaysian students there. 'Although some of them may not be officially registered with our embassy, but as Malaysian citizens, we still have a responsibility to look after their well-being,' he said. He added that the ministry will continue to monitor their status and provide assistance as necessary. On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry issued an advisory for all Malaysians in Iran to leave the country immediately due to the increasingly tense security situation following Israel's aggressive actions against Iran. In a statement, the ministry said the situation in Iran remains volatile and could deteriorate without prior warning. Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated since last Friday following an unprovoked airstrike by Israel on Iranian territory, reportedly killing several senior military officials and scientists.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
‘Much needs to be done to adopt nuclear energy'
PETALING JAYA: Nuclear energy is back on the table as Malaysia eyes the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. First explored in the 1980s, nuclear power gained traction under ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak but was shelved during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's second term over safety and cost concerns. The idea resurfaced in 2023 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as a post-2050 option, pending regulatory, safety and public trust improvements. But major hurdles remain, including outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, said UKM renewable energy expert Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. He said while nuclear power could play a critical role in the NETR, Malaysia must first lay solid groundwork to proceed safely. 'The adoption of nuclear energy could help Malaysia achieve a sustainable and inclusive energy system. But serious challenges must be addressed, from obsolete laws and weak regulatory structures to deep-rooted public unease.' Unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind, nuclear provides consistent power with zero operational emissions, making it a strong complement to the future energy mix of the country. However, safety concerns and radioactive waste continue to shape public perception. 'Incidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl have left deep scars. Even at home, backlash over the Lynas plant in Kuantan reflects widespread discomfort over anything involving radioactive material,' said Muhammad Ammirrul. He said public trust, built through education, transparency and genuine engagement, would be essential if the government proceeds with nuclear energy. Beyond public acceptance, the legal framework is also in need of urgent reform. 'The country's main nuclear law, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is outdated. It predates modern safety standards and best practices. Malaysia needs a dedicated nuclear energy law that clearly defines institutional roles, regulatory protocols and liability mechanisms.' He called for the creation of an independent nuclear regulatory authority, separate from ministerial oversight, to enhance safety and governance. Muhammad Ammirrul urged Malaysia to adopt a nuclear liability and insurance framework, potentially through accession to the Vienna Convention, a global treaty that enables cross-border compensation for victims of nuclear accidents. He said radioactive waste remains one of the toughest challenges. 'We still have no long-term disposal infrastructure. Spent nuclear fuel remains hazardous for thousands of years, and managing that sustainably is a major hurdle.' He said while renewables such as solar and wind are not without environmental impacts, they generate far less dangerous waste. He added that small modular reactors could offer a safer and more adaptable nuclear option for Malaysia as these compact systems are well-suited to smaller grids and could help stabilise renewable output. He said at present, Malaysia lacks the full technical capability to build or operate a nuclear plant independently. 'Agencies such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy have expertise in research and radiation safety, but not in nuclear power generation. 'That said, local universities are now offering nuclear-related programmes, and overseas training is helping to develop human capital.' As for who might lead a national nuclear rollout, he said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is the most likely candidate. 'TNB has the infrastructure, technical expertise and government backing. It's already leading in renewables, so it makes sense for it to spearhead this as well.' On Tuesday, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Malaysia may miss its 2050 net-zero emissions target without nuclear energy in the mix. He called nuclear energy the 'elephant in the room', saying it is vital for delivering reliable power as fossil fuels are phased out.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Malaysia reconsiders nuclear energy for net-zero by 2050
PETALING JAYA: Nuclear energy is back on the table as Malaysia eyes the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. First explored in the 1980s, nuclear power gained traction under ex-prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak but was shelved during former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's second term over safety and cost concerns. The idea resurfaced in 2023 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) as a post-2050 option, pending regulatory, safety and public trust improvements. But major hurdles remain, including outdated laws, limited expertise and public distrust, said UKM renewable energy expert Dr Muhammad Ammirrul Atiqi Mohd Zainuri. He said while nuclear power could play a critical role in the NETR, Malaysia must first lay solid groundwork to proceed safely. 'The adoption of nuclear energy could help Malaysia achieve a sustainable and inclusive energy system. But serious challenges must be addressed, from obsolete laws and weak regulatory structures to deep-rooted public unease.' Unlike intermittent sources such as solar and wind, nuclear provides consistent power with zero operational emissions, making it a strong complement to the future energy mix of the country. However, safety concerns and radioactive waste continue to shape public perception. 'Incidents such as Fukushima and Chernobyl have left deep scars. Even at home, backlash over the Lynas plant in Kuantan reflects widespread discomfort over anything involving radioactive material,' said Muhammad Ammirrul. He said public trust, built through education, transparency and genuine engagement, would be essential if the government proceeds with nuclear energy. Beyond public acceptance, the legal framework is also in need of urgent reform. 'The country's main nuclear law, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984, is outdated. It predates modern safety standards and best practices. Malaysia needs a dedicated nuclear energy law that clearly defines institutional roles, regulatory protocols and liability mechanisms.' He called for the creation of an independent nuclear regulatory authority, separate from ministerial oversight, to enhance safety and governance. Muhammad Ammirrul urged Malaysia to adopt a nuclear liability and insurance framework, potentially through accession to the Vienna Convention, a global treaty that enables cross-border compensation for victims of nuclear accidents. He said radioactive waste remains one of the toughest challenges. 'We still have no long-term disposal infrastructure. Spent nuclear fuel remains hazardous for thousands of years, and managing that sustainably is a major hurdle.' He said while renewables such as solar and wind are not without environmental impacts, they generate far less dangerous waste. He added that small modular reactors could offer a safer and more adaptable nuclear option for Malaysia as these compact systems are well-suited to smaller grids and could help stabilise renewable output. He said at present, Malaysia lacks the full technical capability to build or operate a nuclear plant independently. 'Agencies such as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and the Department of Atomic Energy have expertise in research and radiation safety, but not in nuclear power generation. 'That said, local universities are now offering nuclear-related programmes, and overseas training is helping to develop human capital.' As for who might lead a national nuclear rollout, he said Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is the most likely candidate. 'TNB has the infrastructure, technical expertise and government backing. It's already leading in renewables, so it makes sense for it to spearhead this as well.' On Tuesday, Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said Malaysia may miss its 2050 net-zero emissions target without nuclear energy in the mix. He called nuclear energy the 'elephant in the room', saying it is vital for delivering reliable power as fossil fuels are phased out.
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean may be ‘insufficient', but it's indispensable, says academic
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Kuik Cheng Chwee said problems within the region will be more difficult to resolve without Asean. KUALA LUMPUR : An academic said today that while Asean may be perceived as being 'insufficient', the bloc is indispensable. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Kuik Cheng Chwee said Asean was important because it managed and mitigated intra-Asean problems. It also enhanced regional cooperation and prosperity. He cited the dispute between Cambodia and Thailand over the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple which the two countries are laying claim to. 'While we have problems within Asean, they would be much bigger and more difficult to resolve without it (the bloc),' Kuik, who heads UKM's Asian studies, said at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable today. The roundtable, organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, is aimed at bringing together diplomats, foreign policy experts and analysts to discuss key issues impacting the Asia-Pacific. Kuik also said Asean enhanced regional cooperation and prosperity and provided its members, who mainly comprised small and middle powers, with a platform upon which they were better able to navigate global trends including great-power rivalries. It was for this reason that Asean-centrality and regionalism had been a fixture of Malaysian foreign policy for decades, even before the Anwar Ibrahim administration, he said. 'But nobody will say that Asean is sufficient,' he conceded, acknowledging its weakness when it came to matters that required urgent attention. These sentiments were shared by Australian academic Stuart Kaye on a separate panel which addressed perspectives on maritime security. 'Does it solve crises particularly well? No, but it was not designed to do that, and it should be commended for the work it does well,' Kaye, director and professor of law at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security said. AdChoices ADVERTISING 'Asean works best when it is trying to integrate what its members do into a regional roadmap, and it excels in its ability to do this on maritime issues in the South China Sea.' He said international law assumed that some level of international cooperation was desirable, especially in semi-enclosed seas such as the South China Sea, and Asean's ability to coordinate its response showed its commitment to multilateral cooperation in the region.
