Malaysia Urges Nuclear-Weapon States to Sign, Ratify SEANWFZ Protocol  DPM Fadillah

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 11 – Malaysia has urged nuclear-weapon states to sign and ratify the Protocol to the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Treaty without delay, calling it a vital pillar of regional peace, mutual trust and long-term security.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a strong and enforceable nuclear-weapon-free zone is crucial to maintaining stability and safeguarding the future of the region.

“Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to the SEANWFZ Treaty. We urge nuclear-weapon states to sign and ratify the Protocol without delay,” he said when opening the 12th Annual Meeting of the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) here today.

On nuclear energy, Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the government is undertaking a structured assessment to examine the role of nuclear power as a potential option for clean, stable and competitive electricity within Malaysia’s future energy mix.

The assessment, aligned with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), is aimed at diversifying energy sources, strengthening long-term energy security, reducing carbon emissions and cutting dependence on fossil fuels.

The Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO), under MyPOWER Corporation, has been tasked with coordinating preparatory efforts in line with guidelines by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

In a related development, Fadillah announced that the Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia will launch the Gamma Spectrometry Water Monitoring System (GSWMS) under the 12th Malaysia Plan, a technology designed to enhance the nation’s capacity to detect and respond swiftly to any radiological threats in water sources.

He also emphasised that the deployment of nuclear energy and advanced technologies must be supported by strong regulatory frameworks, rigorous safety protocols and transparent international cooperation.

“Our cooperation under ASEANTOM is not merely technical, it is deeply strategic. It reflects our shared responsibility to ensure that atomic energy serves sustainable development, strengthens regional stability and secures the well-being of our future generations,” he added.

The two-day meeting gathers regulators from ASEAN member states, the IAEA and dialogue partners to discuss regional nuclear safety, security and safeguards.