MalaysiaGIS.com

Source: New Straits Times

The National Remote Sensing Centre was set up in 1990 to spearhead the use and development of remote-sensing technology.

Although countries such as the United States, Russia and France used their satellites primarily for defense and surveillance, Ruddin said Malaysia normally used satellite information for topography studies, fisheries and natural resource management.

"After a detailed topographical report is obtained, one can decide on the appropriate use for a particular area, whether agricultural or industrial. Deep-sea fishermen, for example, can detect plankton and fish using remote-sensing technology," he said.

He did not preclude the possibility that Malaysia would one day use satellites for defense.

The most advanced remote-sensing satellites are Radarsat from Canada, SPOT (France) and NOAA (US). Data from those satellites are received at the country's single earth station at Temerloh, Pahang.

The station will be equipped to receive data from RazakSAT, to be launched next year.

The biggest challenge in the field, Ruddin said, was the shortage of skilled manpower. Steps were being taken to overcome the problem through the ministry's human resources development courses.

He had replied to Loh Seng Kok (BN-Kelana Jaya) earlier on the use of the technology in the country.