Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Malaysia has taken an important step toward increasing its global influence in the space sector. Accordingly, the Southeast Asian nation has agreed to ratify two major United Nations space accords. The Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) made the declaration following a Cabinet decision. Accordingly, Malaysia will become a party to two of the five main space treaties under the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). These treaties are the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Registration Convention of 1975. The move is part of the country’s broader strategy to enhance its role in space exploration and international cooperation.
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The Outer Space Treaty, officially titled the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, lays down the basic principles of space law. It calls for the peaceful use of outer space and bans the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit. The Registration Convention requires countries to register all space objects launched into orbit, promoting transparency and accountability in space activities. “This decision follows the full enforcement of the Malaysia Space Board Act 2022, which came into effect on January 1,” MOSTI said in a statement. “This law provides a complete legal framework for domestic space activities and now allows Malaysia to join global treaties that support its national space ambitions.”
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The Malaysia Space Board Act is considered a significant step toward the country’s legislative and regulatory preparation for space operations. It has more rigorous rules than those specified in UN treaties. For example, the Act openly forbids the development or deployment of any weapon of mass destruction in space, as well as the building of any military facilities or installations beyond Earth. While the Outer Space Treaty prohibits the use of such weapons in orbit and the establishment of military installations on celestial bodies, Malaysia’s law expands its scope to encompass broader scenarios.
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With the Cabinet’s approval, MOSTI’s Space Authority Division (BPAngkasa) will now collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to finalize the treaty joining process. The procedure includes submitting the formal documents to one of the official depositories, located in London, Moscow, or Washington. Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Chang Lih Kang described Malaysia’s accession to the treaties as a “historic step” in aligning the country’s policies with international space norms. He said the move reflects the country’s ambition to become a responsible and active participant in the global space community. “Our participation will allow us to better represent our national interests in outer space,” he said. “This is also a clear sign of Malaysia’s commitment to using space peacefully and responsibly.”
The decision supports the goals outlined in Malaysia’s National Space Policy 2030. Under its fifth strategic focus, the policy aims to strengthen international partnerships and increase Malaysia’s involvement in global space governance. “This step also helps us prepare for challenges and opportunities in the fast-growing space industry,” Chang added. “As more countries expand their presence in space, Malaysia must also ensure that our actions reflect our values and national interests.” In Southeast Asia, several governments are enacting new space-related laws and regulations. Accordingly, Malaysia’s decision strengthens regional momentum and contributes to a global push to better control and manage space activity. Additionally, experts believe that such national and global actions might form a more complete and cooperative system for controlling space, ensuring that it remains a secure and peaceful arena for all.
