The drill will take place at Jeti Maritim in Gelang Patah, Johor, as part of the Malaysia-Indonesia-Thailand-Singapore Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (Mitsatom) 2025.

It marks the fourth Mitsatom exercise hosted by Malaysia following the last session in Sabah in 2018.

Atomic energy department (Atom Malaysia) deputy director-general Monalija Kostor said the exercise aims to test Asean countries’ ability to detect and respond to nuclear incidents on Malaysia’s land borders with Thailand and Singapore, as well as the sea border with Indonesia.

“We are resuming this exercise with coverage of both land and sea borders, allowing a more comprehensive approach to preventing radioactive material smuggling,” Bernama reported her as saying after the official launch of Mitsatom 2025 in Johor Bahru today.

Monalija said the scenario involves the simulated smuggling of four types of radioactive materials, all of which are to be intercepted and returned to the control of authorities.

“These radioactive materials must be brought back under regulatory oversight to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Misuse could pose serious threats, including terrorism and national security risks,” she said.

Monalija said the drill will also test detection equipment, communication systems, operational procedures and personnel readiness in real-world scenarios.

A tabletop exercise will also be conducted as part of Mitsatom, focusing on response planning and coordination in the event of radiological and nuclear incidents.