ALOR GAJAH, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- The two-day South Zone National Science Week Carnival 2026 that began yesterday aims to raise public awareness about nuclear technology.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said there was quite a lot of negative perception about nuclear technology with some linking it with weapons such as nuclear bombs.
"Themed ‘Nuclear For People’, the Nuclear Advocacy Programme highlighted is an important initiative to raise public awareness about nuclear technology based on scientific facts.
"Nuclear technology has many uses, including in the sectors of health, agriculture and energy… people think nuclear is about bombs but it is very useful to our daily lives,” he said after officiating the carnival at Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) here today, in the presence of Melaka Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan.
Chang said the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) would also work with the Education Ministry to disseminate information on nuclear technology at primary and secondary school levels to enhance students' understanding of the technology.
"We want to bring knowledge and understanding of science, technology and innovation to all levels of society, including those in rural areas," he said.
More than 6,000 students and pupils from over 50 schools in the Southern Zone, involving Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Johor, attended the carnival.
Meanwhile, MOSTI said in a statement that the South Zone National Science Week Carnival 2026 was organised in collaboration with UTeM, the National Science Centre, the National Planetarium and the Melaka state government.
The ministry said it would continue to forge close cooperation with various agencies to foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among school students through activities promoting a culture of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
"The effectiveness of these efforts is evident from the increase in participation in the Rehlah Sains programme, which grew from 8,084 participants across nine locations in 2024 to 14,671 participants across 15 locations in 2025, representing a growth rate of more than 81 per cent. For 2026, MOSTI is targeting 15,000 participants nationwide for the Rehlah Sains programme," the ministry said.
As of June 2026, the Malaysian Nuclear Agency had conducted 19 Nuclear Education Outreach (NEO) programmes involving more than 15,000 participants, while expanding programmes such as the Nuclear Tour and Nuclear Friends Camp to reach various segments of society, it added.
MOSTI also reiterated its commitment to strengthening the culture of science, technology and innovation to produce a creative, technology-literate and integrity-driven generation capable of driving Malaysia towards becoming a high-technology nation through the organising of the ninth edition of National Science Week.
-- BERNAMA