Atomic Energy Act 1984

In the 1960s, radiation and radioisotopes began to gain considerable utilization in the fields of research, engineering and medicine in Malaysia, particularly the use of X-ray in public and private healthcare facilities. This prompted the government to pass the Radioactive Substances Act 1968 to regulate their uses.^[3]

However, after Malaysia's accession to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1969 and the construction of the TRIGA PUSPATI research reactor in Bangi in 1972, use of radition and radioisotopes in various fields increased significantly and the Malaysian government deemed the Radioactive Substances Act 1968 no longer be able to provide an adequate regulatory framework to control the use of atomic energy and nuclear materials.^[3]

Hence, the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 was proposed and passed by the Dewan Rakyat on 6 April 1984,^[3] and by the Dewan Negara on 25 April the same year.^[4] On 1 February 1985, the Act fully came into force.^[1]

The Act remain unamended for 41 years until 2025, where a major amendment was passed to broaden the regulatory framework under the Act in compliance with international standards,^[5][6] and to explicitly ban the use and manufacturing of nuclear weapons.^{[7][8][9][10]} The amendment, which partially came into force on 1 December 2025,^[11][5] also provide a new regulatory framework for future adoption of nuclear power in Malaysia, but the government indicated that Malaysia will only decide on its adoption after 2030.^[6][12]

This Act is divided into 13 parts and one schedule, as follows:^[1][13]

• Part I: Preliminary
• Part II: Atomic Energy Licensing Board (repealed)
• Part IIA: Atomic Energy Advisory Council
• Part III: Control and Licensing
• Part IV: Cancellation, Suspension and Renewal of Licenses and Permits
• Part V: Health and Safety
• Part VA: Security
• Part VB: Safeguards
• Part VI: Decommissioning and Management of Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel
• Part VII: Appeals
• Part VIII: Inspection and Enforcement
• Part VIIIA: Offences Relating to Security
• Part IX: Liability for Nuclear Damage
• Part X: General
• Schedule