The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI), through its agency Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), is studying the feasibility of establishing a space launching facility in the country, local media FMT reported on Thursday.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia had significant potential to establish its own space launching facility, as it hopes to create new economic opportunities.
“If this becomes a reality, the facility would become the 16th in the world, making Malaysia just the ninth country to possess such a facility. Malaysia’s unique geographical position being located near the equator gives us an advantage in developing the space launching facility, with far more competitive operating costs,” he was quoted as saying in a statement.
Chang also said that MYSA is liaising with several parties and industries that are keen on participating in the development of this facility.
He added that the government’s involvement in this venture could lead to the creation of 500 space-related tech start-ups, 5,000 job opportunities and MYR10 billion ($2.13 billion) in value to the nation’s “space economy” by 2030.
According to Chang, his ministry is in the process of formulating a national remote sensing satellite program through public-private partnership which is expected to commence in 2026.
Source: TNGlobal