Marpa wants to be the voice for radiation safety in Malaysia

LANGKAWI: The Malaysian Radiation Protection Association (Marpa) will be further strengthened to effectively impart its views on radiation safety in the country.

Its president, Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamed Hashim, said that after 16 years of establishment, Marpa was able over 618 members, comprising experts in radiation protection and safety who could contribute to the country.

“If possible, we want Marpa to have a ‘say’ in the government’s formulation of policies related to radiation safety, transportation of radioactive materials and others,” he told Bernama after closing the Radiation Protection Conference and Workshop (RPCW) 2018 which was attended by participants from around Malaysia yesterday.

He said public awareness on radiation safety in Malaysia was still low and efforts should be made the enlighten them on the dangers of radiation.

This is necessary due to the rapid use of radiation technology in the country which had increased multi-folds since the past 50 years.

Citing the country’s progress in the medical field, he said, there were only two hospitals with nuclear medicine unit in 1963, but now the facility was now available at 13 hospitals.

“With the emphasis on health tourism, this figure will continue to increase where Malaysia is already the choice due to its relatively low medical rates compared to other countries,” he said.

In line with efforts to enhance public awareness on radiation safety, Dr Zulkifli said Marpa hoped to increase its membership by 50 every year.

“The increase will further strengthen Marpa’s position,” he said, adding that Marpa received the support of the Atomic Energy Licensing Board, Nuclear Agency Malaysia and several radiation safety-related industries . - Bernama