Malaysia is strengthening global nuclear security and emergency preparedness by hosting the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) only nuclear security equipment repository in the Asia-Pacific region.

Located at the Malaysia Nuclear Security Support Centre (NSSC) in Dengkil, Bangi, the facility stores specialized radiation detection equipment that can be rapidly deployed to countries requiring assistance during major public events or nuclear security incidents. It also serves as a regional hub for training and capacity-building.

IAEA Director of the Division of Nuclear Security Elena Buglova said Malaysia is the only country in the Asia-Pacific region with such a practical equipment-sharing arrangement under the agency’s global nuclear security network. She said the equipment is stored in Malaysia, deployed when needed, and returned to the repository after operations.

The repository was first used operationally during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where radiation detection equipment from Malaysia helped strengthen nuclear security measures at stadiums against potential nuclear and radioactive threats.

Malaysia’s Department of Atomic Energy (Atom Malaysia) and the IAEA signed an agreement in 2020 to establish the repository. Built with financial support from Japan, the facility has enhanced nuclear security preparedness and detection capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

The IAEA has recognized Malaysia as a Nuclear Security Support Centre since 2012, underscoring the country’s growing role in international nuclear security cooperation.