Malaysia has joined the Antarctic Treaty

Malaysia has officially become a member of the Antarctic Treaty. This is the first ASEAN country and the 49th country to join the treaty.

The fact that Malaysia joins the Antarctic Treaty as a non-consultant means that it can participate in the decision-making process at the Antarctic Treaty (ATCM) Consultation Conference and conduct reconnaissance. Antarctic insurance also establishes its own research base there.

Malaysia's Foreign Ministry said it hoped the accession to the treaty would help strengthen Malaysia's research efforts and allow the findings of its researchers in Antarctica to be recognized as intellectual property rights. wisdom. The Malaysian government hopes that they will be invited to become full advisers at ATCM in Australia next year.

Since 1997, when New Zealand opened the Scott base for Malaysian scientists to participate, there have been more than 60 expeditions, including the participation of Malaysian researchers conducted. According to scientists, the Antarctic environment and climate have a direct impact on the changing environment and global climate.

Since 2008, Malaysia has become a member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, a committee of the International Scientific Council, responsible for initiating, promoting and coordinating scientific research in Antarctica. . The Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation has established a task force to conduct research in this area.

The Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 countries in Washington on December 1, 1959 and came into effect in 1961, since then the number of members has increased to 48. The Treaty stipulates the Antarctic for scientific research. and prohibiting military operations on this continent.