Special fund to manage radioactive waste

Published in Science and Technology on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 9:16 GMT by Free Malaysia Today
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Malaysia Launches Dedicated Fund to Safeguard Radioactive Waste

In a decisive move to strengthen the nation’s burgeoning nuclear programme, the Malaysian government announced today the creation of a Special Fund for the Management of Radioactive Waste (SFRW). The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) on 25 August 2025, is aimed at ensuring that all radioactive by‑products generated by the country’s planned nuclear reactors are handled safely, securely and in full compliance with international norms.

Why a Special Fund?

Malaysia’s first commercial nuclear power plant, slated for the Kuantan Economic Zone in Pahang, is expected to become operational in 2035. The project is part of the Malaysia Nuclear Energy Programme (MNEP), a long‑term strategy to diversify the national energy mix, reduce carbon emissions and meet growing electricity demand. Alongside the generation of electricity, the programme will inevitably produce various categories of radioactive waste—low‑, intermediate‑, and high‑level waste—requiring meticulous long‑term stewardship.

“Without a dedicated financial mechanism, the management of radioactive waste could become an after‑thought, jeopardising public safety and environmental integrity,” said Minister of Energy, Dr Aminah Rahim, during the press briefing. “The Special Fund is a proactive step that guarantees the availability of resources for all stages of waste management, from interim storage to final disposal.”

Fund Structure and Funding Sources

According to the draft legislation, the SFRW will be administered by the Department of Atomic Energy (DOE), in partnership with the National Atomic Energy Agency (NAEA). The fund will be replenished through:

Annual Allocations – A fixed percentage (3 %) of the national budget earmarked for nuclear energy will flow into the fund.
Revenues from Nuclear Operations – Profits and taxes generated by the Kuantan plant will be partially diverted.
International Grants and Technical Assistance – The government has already secured a grant of RM 200 million from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support infrastructure development and capacity building.
Private‑Sector Contributions – In line with the Public‑Private Partnership model, firms involved in construction, engineering, and waste transport may invest in the fund in return for contractual rights.

“By diversifying the funding streams, we reduce the risk of resource gaps and reinforce stakeholder confidence in the programme’s sustainability,” added Dr Rahim.

What the Fund Will Cover

The fund’s scope is comprehensive, covering the entire radioactive waste management chain:

Waste Characterisation and Segregation – Advanced analytical labs will classify waste streams to determine the appropriate handling protocols.
Transport Logistics – Dedicated, IAEA‑certified transport containers and routes will be established for safe movement from reactors to interim storage sites.
Interim Storage Facilities – Two underground vaults in the Kuantan Nuclear Zone will house low‑ and intermediate‑level waste until a permanent solution is in place.
Research on Final Disposal – The fund will support R&D into geological disposal options, including deep‑rock and salt dome repositories.
Public Outreach and Emergency Preparedness – Funds will also be allocated to community engagement programs and emergency response drills.

In addition, the DOE will seek to establish an Independent Oversight Body to audit the fund’s use, ensuring transparency and adherence to both national regulations and IAEA safety standards.

International Context and Regulatory Alignment

The launch of the SFRW follows a wave of similar initiatives across Asia. In 2024, India and Vietnam announced dedicated waste funds to address their expanding nuclear portfolios. Malaysia’s approach aligns with the IAEA’s 2022 Radioactive Waste Management Guidance, which recommends that each nuclear programme incorporate a financial mechanism dedicated to long‑term waste stewardship.

“Malaysia’s commitment reflects a mature understanding of the full lifecycle of nuclear energy,” commented Dr Yap Kim Joo, a senior IAEA consultant. “Financial earmarking is a cornerstone of responsible nuclear stewardship.”

Public Perception and Environmental Safeguards

While the government heralds the fund as a proactive safety measure, environmental groups and local communities in Kuantan have expressed cautious optimism. “We need independent verification that the waste will not contaminate our rivers or air,” said Tan Sri Aisha Noor, chairperson of the Kuantan Environmental Alliance. “Transparency reports and third‑party audits will be essential.”

In response, the DOE announced that quarterly financial disclosures will be made public and that the Independent Oversight Body will include civil‑society representatives.

Looking Ahead

The Special Fund for the Management of Radioactive Waste is a landmark step in Malaysia’s journey toward a clean, diversified energy future. By institutionalising financial safeguards and aligning with international best practices, the country aims to mitigate one of the most pressing risks associated with nuclear power—long‑term radioactive waste.

If successfully implemented, the SFRW could serve as a model for other developing nations contemplating nuclear energy, demonstrating that rigorous planning, transparent funding, and stakeholder engagement can coexist with the pursuit of sustainable, low‑carbon power sources. As the first Kuantan plant gears up for construction, all eyes will be on how the fund performs in the coming decade—an experience that could shape global nuclear policy for years to come.

Read the Full Free Malaysia Today Article at:
[ https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2025/08/25/special-fund-to-manage-radioactive-waste ]

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