Kuala lumpur: The government is exploring the possibility of implementing nuclear energy projects in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah due to the growing demand for stable energy in both regions, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), emphasized that the feasibility study for these projects prioritizes locations near water sources such as rivers, seas, or large lakes for the cooling systems of nuclear plants.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the viability of nuclear projects in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, citing the need for a constant energy source. He noted the contrast with Sarawak, where hydropower already satisfies nearly 70 percent of its energy needs. Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, on the other hand, depend more heavily on gas and diesel, which are not clean energy sources.
Fadillah clarified that no final decisions have been made regarding the technology, location, or capacity for potential nuclear projects, as a comprehensive study is still underway. This study, coordinated by MyPower Corporation, the implementing agency of the National Nuclear Energy Programme, assesses technical requirements, technology suitability, local expertise development, safety, environmental impact, and overall project financing capability.
He stressed the importance of careful assessment of all these aspects. The government aims to gain public acceptance before finalizing the implementation, with projections indicating that the earliest possible implementation could occur in the next decade.
Additionally, the government is investigating new technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), and is planning several international visits to identify the safest and most cost-effective technologies. Fadillah mentioned his visits to Russia and France, with plans to visit South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States in the future.
Yesterday, PETRA released a statement affirming that nuclear energy development is being studied as a clean, stable, and competitive energy source for Malaysia's future. The approach will be gradual and adhere to guidelines set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).