Malaysia studies nuclear energy feasibility, implementation may take 10 years
Speaking at the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 Summit, he clarified that no final decision has been made, and the government is treating nuclear power as a long-term option rather than an immediate solution.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, emphasised the need for thorough research, regulatory compliance, and public acceptance before any nuclear energy project proceeds.
'We are not saying that we are going ahead. What has been approved is for us to consider nuclear as part of the potential energy mix for the future,' he told reporters.
The government is conducting international benchmarking, engaging with countries like the UK, France, Russia, the US, China, and South Korea to assess different nuclear technologies.
Safety and environmental concerns remain key considerations, with Fadillah stating that Malaysia must comply with 18 international treaties before moving forward.
Public acceptance is another critical factor.
'We must engage the public and secure their buy-in. Without public acceptance, we cannot move forward with nuclear,' he said.
Given the lengthy regulatory and technical processes, Fadillah estimated that nuclear energy implementation would take at least 10 years.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state does not currently need nuclear energy due to its abundant renewable resources.
'We have hydro, gas combined cycle, and solar. With what we have, I don't think Sarawak needs nuclear,' he said.
Sarawak aims to produce up to 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2035, focusing on hydro, solar, and emerging technologies like fusion energy.
'Fusion energy uses hydrogen molecules from water to produce power. It could be safer and cheaper than nuclear, and we have the water resources to support it,' Abang Johari added. – Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Malaysia to be focus of DayOne's plans
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Global data centre operator DayOne is deepening its long-term commitment to Malaysia by positioning the country as a key hub in the regional digital supply chain, with major investments centred on Johor. DayOne Data Centers Malaysia Sdn Bhd general manager Jimmy Yan said the company is currently developing two hyperscale campuses in Nusajaya Tech Park and Kempas Tech Park, each covering hundreds of acres and targeting a combined capacity of up to 500 megawatts. 'Our goal is not just to build data centres, but to embed ourselves in Malaysia's digital economy by localising our supply chain, developing skilled local talent, and building long-term partnerships with both federal and state governments,' Yan said. According to Yan, the project is already generating significant economic spillover, with an estimated RM400mil in supply-chain investments already. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Nuclear power a long-term option, not immediate solution, says DPM
Fadillah Yusof estimated that it would take 10 years before nuclear energy is implemented in Malaysia. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The government's stance on nuclear power is to treat it as a long-term option rather than an immediate solution, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said today. Citing the complexity and safety concerns associated with the technology, he said Malaysia was still in the early stages of studying its feasibility as part of the country's future energy mix. 'We are not saying that we are going ahead (with it). What has been approved is that we will consider nuclear as part of the potential energy mix,' Bernama quoted him as saying at an international energy week conference in Kuching. Fadillah, who is minister for energy transition and water transformation, estimated that it would take Malaysia at least 10 years to implement nuclear energy. He said extensive groundwork was being carried out, including international benchmarking and regulatory planning. 'I've visited the UK, France and Russia, and we will also be going to the US, China and South Korea. We are analysing all available technologies, including the safety and environmental implications,' he said. Fadillah emphasised that nuclear adoption must comply with strict international processes and treaties, particularly with regard to the impact on the environment. 'Only after we sign all 18 required international treaties, and receive approval at that level, can we even begin to consider incorporating nuclear energy in our national energy supply.' He also highlighted the importance of public acceptance, saying that without widespread support from Malaysians, the nuclear option would not proceed. 'We must engage the public and secure their buy-in,' he said. Separately, Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said nuclear energy was not currently relevant for the state, given its abundant and diversified renewable energy sources. He told reporters that Sarawak had hydro, gas and solar energy, adding: 'With what we have, I don't think Sarawak needs nuclear energy.' He said Sarawak remains focussed on becoming a renewable energy powerhouse, targeting the production of up to 15 gigawatts by 2035 through existing clean energy sources. Abang Johari also said Sarawak was exploring energy production using hydrogen from water as a safer, cleaner and cheaper alternative to nuclear fission. 'We have the water resources to support it,' he said.
Barnama
8 hours ago
- Barnama
UNRWA Warns Of Israeli Plan To Create 'Mass Internment Camps' In Southern Gaza
RAMALLAH (Palestine), July 15 (Bernama-WAFA) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) media advisor, Adnan Abu Hasna in Gaza, has raised alarm over Israel's reported plans to establish what it calls a "humanitarian city" in southern Gaza. Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA) reported that he warned that the initiative is essentially a blueprint for mass internment camps. In a press statement, Abu Hasna said Israel has long been laying the groundwork for such a plan through the establishment of aid distribution points in southern Gaza. 'Now, they are openly declaring their intent to forcibly displace the population of Gaza into collective detention camps in Rafah, as a prelude to their expulsion from Palestinian land,' he stated. He warned that this development signals Israel's continued commitment to the forced transfer of Gaza's population, expressing deep concern over the extreme pressure being applied to Palestinians. 'The total collapse of the healthcare system, absence of aid, and depletion of fuel are all being weaponised to coerce the population into voluntary displacement,' he said. He further cautioned that the so-called humanitarian zone is incapable of hosting Gaza's 2 million residents within just 60 square kilometres of devastated land, describing the area as uninhabitable and void of any semblance of life or future. Abu Hasna urged the international community to intervene immediately to halt what he described as a dangerous and deliberate attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians under the guise of humanitarian relief. -- BERNAMA-WAFA
