Energy Transition Must Fit Malaysia's Needs And Not Bow To Global Pressure
KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's energy transition policies must be based on national realities and domestic capabilities rather than simply adhering to international pressure, said Malakoff Corporation Bhd chairman Tan Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh.
The priority is ensuring energy security and stable supply for its ever-growing population which now stands at 34.6 million, he said.
While Malaysia supports the global shift towards clean energy, the country must adopt a pragmatic strategy that reflects its own limitations and energy demands.
'We can follow the global trend, but what is more important is that our policies must be suitable for Malaysia,' he said, echoing Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call earlier today for a pragmatic and balanced approach to ensure a just and equitable energy transition for Asia.
The prime minister emphasised that this approach is crucial for the region's continued development amid its shift towards renewable energy.
In an interview on Bernama TV's 'The Nation' programme today, Che Khalib said the public often associates the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) with solar energy, but Malaysia's ability to scale solar is limited by competing land use and inconsistent sunlight.
'In Malaysia, land is also needed for food production and forest conservation, we are not like the Middle East where you can just build solar farms in the desert, we have to balance our priorities,' he said.
He also pointed out that solar energy, while important, cannot be treated as a dependable power source due to weather variability, and stressed the need to improve fossil fuel efficiency in the short- to medium-term, rather than phasing it out entirely.
'Take cars, for example. Thirty years ago, a 2.0-litre engine was considered underpowered. Today, a 1.0-litre car can perform just as well. Similarly, fossil fuel plants must be upgraded to emit less while producing more,' said Che Khalib.
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