The final report of the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission Phase 1 will be tabled to the Cabinet by next week, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Nancy Shukri.

The three-phase assessment, initiated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), concluded that Malaysia is thoroughly prepared and has developed a considerable base of knowledge to make an informed decision about introducing nuclear power.

The minister said Malaysia has 30 days to respond to the recommendation made by the report that evaluates interested newcomer countries' status and state-of-readiness in developing nuclear power programme.

"Any further action will depend on the approval of the government," she told the media after the opening session of the 8th Annual Nuclear Power Asia Conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

The report also acknowledged that Malaysia has completed most of the studies required for Phase 1 and demonstrated a good level of understanding of the 19 nuclear infrastructure issues described in the IAEA milestone.

INIR also made five recommendations and 10 suggestions to assist the national authorities in making further progress in infrastructure development.

"The main recommendations in the report are on strengthening government commitment and enhancing public awareness to progress further towards making a knowledgeable decision," Nancy said.

INIR also recommended to further developing a legal and regulatory infrastructure, as well as plans for financing the nuclear power plant and establishing owner-operator.

This, said Nancy, is also in line with the recommendation of the study conducted by the Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation as the way forward for the nuclear power infrastructure development.

Earlier in her speech, Nancy said Malaysia wants to explore the option of deploying nuclear energy to meet future demand and diversify the energy mix for Peninsular Malaysia.

The comprehensive regulatory and legal framework for nuclear power programme,taking into account lessons learned from Fukushima tragedy, are currently being put in place.

In addition, a communication plan on the sustainable use of energy resources would also be developed to improve public awareness and understanding, and manage public perception of the energy subsidy rationalisation programme.

Meanwhile, to develop necessary infrastructure for the nuclear power programme,the country would make a serious effort at developing sustainable, well-structured human capital and competent human resources, said Nancy.

The Nuclear Power Asia Conference, today and tomorrow, has gathered regulators, nuclear energy agencies, operators and licensors from the international and regional nuclear community.

- Bernama