Security equipment repository for Asia-Pacific region established

October 8, 2020, 9:29AMNuclear News

During a virtual meeting between the Atomic Energy Licensing Board of Malaysia, Japan’s Permanent Mission in Vienna, and the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, an agreement was signed to establish a pool of nuclear security equipment, including items pictured here, in Malaysia. Photo: I. Pletukhina/IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency has joined with Malaysia’s Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) to establish a pool of radiation detection equipment available for loan to support nuclear security training and detection capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, the IAEA announced October 7

This is the first such repository facilitated by the IAEA. The equipment was purchased with Japan’s contribution to the IAEA Nuclear Security Fund.

Specifics: Under the terms of the agreement, the IAEA will store personal radiation detectors, radionuclide identification devices, and backpack radiation detectors at the Malaysia Nuclear Security Support Center. The equipment will be used to train front-line personnel—such as customs and law enforcement officers—in radiation detection techniques, enhance users’ ability to calibrate and maintain the equipment, and support detection capabilities at major public events in the region to prevent terrorist attacks using radioactive material.

What they’re saying: “Nuclear or other radioactive material lost or stolen may mean a vulnerability at national facilities or borders, and this type of equipment is key to detecting such material,” said Raja Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan, director of the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security. “This loaner pool of radiation detection equipment is an example of how international cooperation—in this case trilateral cooperation between the IAEA, Malaysia, and Japan—can strengthen nuclear security.”

The signing: The agreement was signed by Adnan on behalf of the IAEA and Mohd Pauzi Mohd Sobari, director general of the AELB, at a virtual ceremony on the sidelines of last month’s IAEA General Conference. “With this enhanced technical capacity, we look forward to leveraging our national capabilities and lessons-learned to enhance harmonized implementation of nuclear security in the region,” said Mohd Sobari.


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