Space industry strategic plan to be drawn up to spur industry

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) will draw up a space industry strategic plan to stimulate the local space industry.

Its deputy minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the plan would be developed together with the International Trade and Industry Ministry through the National Aerospace Industry Coordinating Office (NAICO).

"Besides that, research and development (R&D), and infrastructure and expertise development will be boosted to support the country's aspiration to become a country empowered by science, technology and innovation.

"MOSTI will also continue to strengthen cooperation and international networking in the space sector," he said.

Abu Bakar was replying to a question from Julian Tan Kok Ping (DAP-Stampin) at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today, on the government's plans towards the National Space Policy and the development status, project objectives and research pertaining to the initiative.

He said MOSTI also carried out research projects towards technological and space application development which would have a significant impact on the country.

According to him, the research focused on three main areas, namely communications, remote sensing and navigation.

"The combination of these three fields can assist and contribute to the country's capability and meeting critical needs such as planning and management of natural resources and the environment, weather and climate forecasting, search and rescue operations, and disaster and safety management," he said. -- Bernama