31/07/2025

THURSDAY | JULY 31, 2025

3 Vertical schools in pipeline for KL and other cities

Malaysia to table Atomic Bill amendments

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is stepping up its push into nuclear energy, as the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) prepares to propose key amendments to the Atomic Energy Bill — a move aimed at reinforcing the nation’s nuclear regulatory framework. Minister Chang Lih Kang said the move reflects Malaysia’s commitment to exploring nuclear as a future energy source, alongside early progress in thorium (a radioactive metallic element) extraction. “A pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy has been completed. Initial findings show strong potential for Malaysia to pursue this path,” he said in response to Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN). Following the study, six technical task forces were proposed – three of which are led by Mosti. They focus on technology and industrial development, nuclear skills and expertise and the legal-regulatory structure. Chang also previously confirmed that the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 will be amended to support the next phase of development. Malaysia currently has 323 research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers at the Atomic Energy Department. Of these, 61 hold qualifications in nuclear science or engineering. “This reflects our commitment to developing local talent to support safe and responsible use of nuclear technology.” Chang said international cooperation is also a core strategy. He said Malaysia is working closely with global agencies on technical training, joint research, technology transfer and capacity building nuclear science. “On July 10, we signed a strategic civil nuclear agreement with the United States. This is a major catalyst for long-term collaboration on Malaysia’s civil nuclear ambitions.” Malaysia is also pursuing similar partnerships with China and Russia to build capacity in nuclear power generation. “The partnerships will give us access to cutting-edge expertise, proven technologies and best practices, which are critical for building our infrastructure and local industry.” Chang added that Malaysia collaborates with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation to detect nuclear weapons tests and use scientific data for natural disaster monitoring, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Malaysia also maintains strong ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through technical cooperation, regional agreements and research collaborations under the Asian Nuclear Cooperation Forum. Beyond power generation, Chang said nuclear technology is already being used to tackle environmental and climate challenges.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Education Ministry unveils design blueprint for multi-storey facilities in high-density areas to address land shortages and growing student needs

general public. This would make it easier to monitor and respond to potential threats. Other measures include improving lighting in high-risk areas, increasing the number of CCTVs, hiring more security personnel and mapping out accommodation zones with elevated safety risks. “Student welfare is a shared responsibility involving the ministry, campus administrators, enforcement agencies and local communities. The government will not compromise on student safety.” – By Harith Kamal “The ministry is giving serious attention to three main aspects – student-related needs, technical design considerations and, in some cases, strata management. “Technical priorities include soundproofing, natural lighting and ventilation, emergency exit routes, structural resilience and effective building maintenance. “For integrated models, strata management will be handled on a case-by-case basis.” Wong also responded to concerns by Muslimin on whether the ministry is prepared for a potential surge in demand over the next five to 10 years and whether standard operating procedures are already in place – not only for safety but also for student comfort and daily school operations. He said comprehensive planning and operational guidelines had already been developed. “The guidelines are not just about constructing buildings. They are anchored on principles of naturalness, individualism, accessibility, safety and effective student supervision. “This includes ensuring school designs are curriculum-friendly, green-certified, sustainable and flexible enough to adapt to future needs.” Wong also stated that vertical schools would only be considered in areas with populations exceeding one million, where traditional land-based school construction is no longer viable. “The Education Ministry remains proactive and committed to working with local authorities and various government agencies to address the challenges of education development in urban areas. “Our priority is to ensure access to quality education is never compromised – even in space-constrained environments.” In March, the ministry announced plans to pilot the vertical school concept in Putrajaya, Penang and Kuala Lumpur by the end of the year. KL City Hall had also previously proposed the construction of additional vertical schools in the capital as part of efforts to address land shortages and a growing student population.

PETALING JAYA: The Education Ministry has finalised development guidelines for high-rise or vertical schools in urban areas and will soon present them to the Cabinet for approval, Education Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh told Parliament yesterday. Responding to a question from Sungai Besar MP Datuk Muslimin Yahaya, Wong said the move marks a key milestone in tackling land scarcity in high-density cities such as Kuala Lumpur, where demand for public education continues to rise. He said the guidelines have been approved at ministerial level and will be submitted to the Cabinet through a formal memorandum. Wong noted that Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s proposal to build vertical schools – consisting of two blocks ranging from 10 to 17 storeys – had been welcomed by the ministry as

teachers, to fine-tune the design requirements for vertical schools. The proposed concept features three development models: schools on designated education land, schools integrated with community facilities such as clinics and libraries and schools incorporated within residential or commercial developments. Wong stressed that student safety and well-being remain central to planning, covering aspects such as vertical movement, accessibility for students with special needs, emotional and social welfare and access to recreational space.

an innovative solution to urban land constraints. “This is an innovative approach to developing educational institutions, especially in densely populated areas. “It’s not just about building upwards. It’s about ensuring safety, comfort, accessibility and sustainability within limited space.” He said the ministry had consulted with various stakeholders, including the Housing and Local Government Ministry, Town and Country Planning Department (PlanMalaysia), Public Works Department, Fire and Rescue Department, as well as parents and

UNITY IN MOTION ... Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil (centre) waving the Jalur Gemilang during the ministry’s monthly assembly at Menara Komunikasi in Putrajaya yesterday. Also present was Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching (third from left). – BERNAMAPIC

Universities told to enhance safety rules following dorm murder PETALING JAYA: The Higher Education Ministry has moved to tighten safety regulations across all public and private universities nationwide following the murder of a female student at a private university dormitory in Cyberjaya. Zambry said under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555), the chief executive of every private university is responsible for overseeing student welfare, discipline, administration and academic affairs in an orderly and accountable manner. Standards and Guidelines issued in 2023. “They serve as references for all institutions to improve the safety and comfort of student accommodation, particularly for those residing off campus.” appointment of dedicated officers to handle student housing matters on smaller campuses.

In addition, institutions are encouraged to engage regularly with community stakeholders such as the Rukun Tetangga , community crime watch groups, joint management bodies and the police to strengthen monitoring and security efforts. Zambry said the ministry also recommends that off-campus student housing be managed on a block basis to avoid mixed occupancy with the

In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry remained committed to ensuring institutions of higher learning provide a safe and conducive environment for students, both on and off campus.

Following the incident, the ministry has instructed all institutions to fully implement the guidelines. It has also proposed the establishment of structured Off-Campus Student Management units at larger institutions or the

“To enhance safety standards, the ministry has begun enforcing two existing guidelines – the Off-Campus Student Management Guidelines introduced in 2021 and the Private Higher Education Institutions Premises