KUALA LUMPUR: The laboratory results from the research and development (R&D) project on extracting thorium from concentrated lanthanide (LC) and water leach purification (WLP) waste have yielded promising outcomes, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the ministry is actively monitoring the R&D project with the results indicating that thorium extraction from concentrated lanthanide has reached 100 per cent, while WLP achieved 92 per cent.
"This is a very encouraging result and we hope to scale this up to a pilot project. Theoretically, thorium reactors are safer with less long-lasting radioactive waste.
"However, using thorium as fuel entails advanced technology and significant costs," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Ahmad Amzad Mohamed (PN-Kuala Terengganu).
Amzad inquired whether the government would develop or explore thorium reactor technology and the extraction of the material from the rare earth elements.
Meanwhile, in reply to the initial question from Amzad, Chang said the ministry, through the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, is conducting a technical study for the replacement plan of the Triga Puspati Reactor (RTP).
He said the technical study began in 2022 and will continue until next year, utilising funds from the 12th Malaysian Plan (12MP).
"This study involves assessing the socioeconomic impacts of the multi-purpose research reactor (MPR) project, including construction costs, operations, safety, security, regulatory compliance, and waste management per international standards.
"The study also considers input and suggestions from stakeholders to ensure the project benefits all interested parties in Malaysia," he said.
Amzad inquired about the ministry's plan to build a new nuclear reactor with newer and more advanced technology to replace RTP, which has been in use since 1982.
Chang said other planned activities are the feasibility study for the MPR, the development of a strategic plan for the MPR and preparations for the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review for Research Reactor (INIR-RR) mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"With the establishment of this new nuclear research reactor, the ministry aims to reduce reliance on imports of various types of radioisotopes for medical, industrial, and bioscience purposes.
"Additionally, it is expected to contribute to the enhancement of scientific knowledge and high-tech innovation, thereby supporting the country's socioeconomic development."