KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Abdul Rahim Harun has been appointed as the Malaysian Nuclear Agency's director-general effective April 11.

       He replaces Dr Siti A'iasah Hashim, who retired on Jan 1.

       Abdul Rahim, the former deputy director-general (research and technology development), was appointed based on his qualifications, experience and knowledge of nuclear technology research.

       "The appointment will enable him to lead the Agency and continue to excel towards achieving the goal of advancing nuclear development and research," it said in a statement today.

       Abdul Rahim holds a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), a Master's Degree in Applied Genetics from the University of Birmingham, the United Kingdom, and a PhD in genetic studies from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

       He is a nuclear expert in the field of plant breeding mutation and has conducted several expert missions on behalf of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Laos and Mauritius.

       Meanwhile, Dr Rosli Darmawan was appointed as the deputy director-general (research and technology development programme), effective April 11.

       According to the statement, Rosli, who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UPM, previously served as the deputy director-general (Technical Services).

       He is an expert in the field of facilities and utilities of nuclear applications as well as nuclear reactor safety systems. – Bernama