KUALA LUMPUR: The government is studying the potential adoption of nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs), as part of its future energy strategy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a feasibility study is underway to assess nuclear power’s role as a stable base-load supply, particularly in areas where renewable energy deployment faces limitations.
“This study will carefully evaluate waste management strategies to ensure nuclear energy is integrated responsibly into Malaysia’s sustainable energy ecosystem,” he said in his keynote adress at the International Green Build Conference (IGBC) 2025.
At a press conference, Fadillah said the move goes beyond technology adoption, requiring amendments to existing laws and related laws, coordinated with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) and other agencies.
“We are working together to ensure human capital development is prioritise, not just in terms of technology, but also enforcement. We must also identify other available technologies and consider them from safety, safeguards and security perspectives,” he said.
Fadillah noted that public acceptance will be key before any nuclear project is implemented.
“Right now, we are receiving positive responses and encouragement for us to speed up the process,” he added.
He said Malaysia must also comply with international frameworks, confirming that 18 treaties and agreements need to be signed, including the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, or 123 Agreement, with the United States before a final decision is made on nuclear energy’s inclusion in the national energy mix.
Fadillah added that renewable energy generation in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah remains constrained since available sources such as hydro, solar, biomass and biogas are limited.
“We have to find other firm energy that we can produce to support the base-load in Semenanjung and Sabah. But the exact location will only be determined once all preconditions are met, including public acceptance and regulatory approvals,” he explained.
Building on the enacted Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024, Fadillah said Petra will soon launch the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2026–2035 (NEEAP 2.0).
“This comprehensive strategy will chart initiatives across all sectors to drive energy savings, once again encompassing both electrical and thermal energy measures,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
