Latest news with #AseanPowerGrid
The Star
16 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Russia to support Malaysia's nuclear technology development, says Fadillah
MOSCOW: Russia has agreed to continue cooperating with Malaysia to build the country's capacity in nuclear energy development, covering institutional, human capital, technical, commercial and legal aspects, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said Russia's extensive experience in nuclear energy should be considered as Malaysia looks to enhance its future energy security. ALSO READ: Malaysia to consider adopting nuclear energy to accelerate net-zero target 2050 Speaking at a press conference after concluding his four-day working visit to Russia last night, he said one of the main objectives of the trip was to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries. In addition to existing cooperation in coal imports, Fadillah said he and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk also discussed the potential for collaboration in the field of nuclear energy. "Russia possesses advanced technology in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The country's experience in nuclear energy technology could support Malaysia's aspirations under the National Energy Transition Roadmap,' said Fadillah. He also held a meeting on Friday with Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom's director general Alexey Likhachev, during which discussions covered technical and operational matters, including legal frameworks, technology transfer and workforce training. According to Fadillah, the meeting opened the door for direct dialogue between Malaysia's technical agencies and Rosatom to assess potential areas of nuclear cooperation, including the strengthening and modernisation of the power grid, which would in turn have a positive impact on Asean Power Grid cooperation. He said the Cabinet had, in principle, approved the consideration of nuclear energy as part of Malaysia's future energy mix. "This is to address the current limitations in baseload energy supply. We are trying to reduce our dependence on coal and gas, but supply remains a challenge. "In addition, we face constraints in hydroelectric generation due to limited water resources. Globally, many now see nuclear power as an option that must be considered,' he added. Fadillah stressed that the government must first undertake a thorough study of nuclear technology, including public engagement efforts. "Public support is critical. This process must involve various ministries, agencies and NGOs to provide clear explanations. It can only proceed once an international agreement is signed and accepted by the majority of the public. This is the first step in that direction,' he said. Fadillah concluded his four-day working visit to Russia today. He also visited Uzbekistan from June 21 to 24. The Deputy Prime Minister's visit to Russia followed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visit to the country from May 13 to 16, aimed at enhancing and exploring new areas of cooperation between Malaysia and Russia. - Bernama
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak poised to play pivotal role in realising Asean Power Grid, says Premier
Abang Johari delivers his speech at the event. – Bernama photo KUCHING (June 23): Sarawak is primed to take centre stage in the development of the Asean Power Grid, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier expressed strong confidence in the state's capability to support the ambitious regional energy integration project. He highlighted the positive reception from delegates at the recent 43rd Asean Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME), hosted here recently, adding they were able to witness the state's role in building Asean. He said Malaysia's current chairmanship of Asean provides a strategic opportunity to bolster the nation's contributions, especially through Sarawak, towards establishing the Asean Power Grid. 'I've had a brief discussion with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and I hope that one of the strategies that we adopt will realise the vision to have the Asean Power Grid, which will drive economic advancement for Asean—particularly through Malaysia's contribution. 'With the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), we are optimistic that this energy project can be implemented successfully, God willing,' he said at the 2025 state-level Gawai Dayak Dinner last night. He also congratulated Anwar and the federal Cabinet for propelling Malaysia's stature while chairing Asean this year, earning recognition from Asean member states as well as external partners. Abang Johari added Sarawak will provide full support towards positioning Malaysia as a respected nation. abang johari Asean power grid lead
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak holds potential as Malaysia, Asean energy hub, says PM Anwar
Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, along with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, being served a welcome drink called "apat paman" upon arriving at the state Gawai dinner in Kuching. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / The Star KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become the main energy hub for Malaysia and Asean, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said Sarawak could play a key role in the Asean Power Grid initiative with its rich energy resources, including hydropower, gas and hydrogen. "The Asean Power Grid will enable energy interconnections between member states "Sarawak's energy potential can be expanded to Sabah, Kalimantan and southern Philippines," he said at the state Gawai dinner here on Sunday (June 22) night. Anwar said he would bring up this matter in an informal meeting with Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto next Friday (June 27). "I have informed (Sarawak Premier Tan Sri) Abang Johari (Openg) that I will discuss an Asean Power Grid based in Sarawak for the benefit of both countries," he said. Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the dinner. Also present were Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and federal and state dignitaries. The Prime Minister also said the good relations between the Federal and Sarawak governments formed a strong basis for resolving issues. In this respect, he said PETRONAS and state-owned Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) would move forward on the issue of gas distribution in the interests of both the nation and the state. "The oil and gas industry needs PETRONAS and Sarawak needs Petros. We need both to work together for Sarawak and the nation," he said. Earlier, Abang Johari said Sarawak was ready to contribute to the Asean Power Grid. "We hope the vision of the Asean Power Grid will be realised as a catalyst for economic growth in the region," he said.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Power-sharing of a different kind
For Malaysia, the cross-border power-sharing is a meaningful contribution to the APG scheme itself, which aims to build an electricity grid link with almost all the member countries of Asean. — Bernama photo SHOULD the Republic of the Philippines need extra electricity for its industries and private homes and cannot get it elsewhere, it can turn to Sarawak. Within minutes, through the renewable energy grid, the Asean Power Grid (APG), electricity could be transmitted to the Southern Philippines through Sabah. I take it that Sarawak has no problem with the federal government in this cross-border transaction. After all, we are selling power to the Indonesians too in a similar fashion. In December of last year, the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) began selling green energy to Singapore. So you say that Malaysia, both the West and the East, is a good source of electricity for the neighbours. Here is a good chance for Malaysia as the Asean Chair to play the role of a good promoter of product as well as act as salesman. Should there be any problem with any member of Asean with regard to the project, the Chair would be able to display tact and ingenuity to ensure that this, being an Asean project, has to proceed. Once the vendor and the buyer agree upon the terms of purchase that it is a deal, no second, third or fourth opinion needed. For Malaysia, this a meaningful contribution to the APG scheme itself, which aims to build an electricity grid link with almost all the member countries of Asean. Let's start with Malaysia. The electricity is actually from Sarawak, but never mind the saying 'lembu punya susu, sapi punya nama' (the milk is from the cow, but the buffalo gets the name). Somehow my gut feeling is that this energy grid, going through the territory of Sabah, may meet with some political problems. I'm thinking about the Philippines' claim to Sabah. I am confident that this was on the mind of the Prime Minister before he popped the suggestion, and he was confident that it would not stand in the way because this would be an Asean project. It is crucial that the Chair of Asean will be supported by the other member countries. Malaysia must make a mark during its term of office. 'Good personal relationship matters' I am told that our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has a good personal relationship with the President of the Republic of the Philippines. That relationship is crucial when it comes to tackling a problem relating to an economic scheme that benefits both parties. This electricity grid is one such scheme. This is a sensible suggestion from our Prime Minister. It is a practicable move that deserves full support by anyone thinking about what to do with excess electricity in Sarawak. At this stage, there appears to be clear evidence of the existence of political will on the part of Malaysian leaders in terms of state-federal relations. However, at this stage, we do not really know what the Philippines government thinks of the proposal. The potential buyer of our electricity has not made known publicly its response or even interest in purchasing power from us. I am sure there will be some response from President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr after he has received the report from his representative. Give him and his colleagues time to think about the proposal by our PM in terms of the economic viability of the purchase of power, and to make decisions at their own speed. Politics may have a role in this deal. My surmise. I hope this would not derail the initial talks on the sale and purchase. Treat the dealing like a normal sale and purchase of a product that the buyer needs and the vendor has the stock for disposal anytime – a business-like transaction. Meanwhile, we should support PM Anwar's proposal if we have enough electricity supply for our own use and enough to sell overseas. We are selling electricity to Indonesia anyway. Is there enough of the product for another buyer? As regards the sale of power to Kalimantan, my sources say that the time may come when the demand will be reduced or even stopped altogether once the Indonesians have built a hydro-power dam across the upper reaches of the River Mahakam. The power generation from that dam will serve the needs of the new capital Nusantara, and the districts along the coast including the city of Samarinda itself. There are several rivers in that part of Borneo that may be dammed for hydropower generation. In 1989, I was in the Sarawak team as a delegate attending the post-Asean Conference on Land Settlement Conference held in Samarinda. I joined a team who rode a Russian double-decker helicopter flying over the great Mahakam; we were being flown to a settlement of Kenyah and Kayan at Datah Bilang. It was an eye-opener. The river, if dammed, would generate an enormous amount of electricity for the entire region. The electricity supply from Sarawak could be affected if the Indonesians could produce enough electricity from their own dams, unless the APG steps in to enable the grid to provide the link to continue. An economic question. Between good neighbours, sharing of electrical power would be mutually beneficial on a commercial basis. It makes good economic sense. The other power (political) is not for sale, though! * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. Asean power grid malaysia Philippines
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Japan bolsters strategic ties with Malaysia, Johor a critical anchor
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Japan is intensifying its strategic partnership with Malaysia, with Johor emerging as a critical anchor in three key areas. Noriyuki Shikata, Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, said the key areas are green investment, advanced transport infrastructure and education exchange. In his keynote at the Nikkei Forum Medini Johor 2025, Shikata said Japan sees Johor's rapid rise, particularly under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) as an opportunity for deep bilateral cooperation that aligns with regional goals of sustainability and economic integration. "Johor is fast becoming a vital hub for data centres. These require massive cooling capabilities. Japan is ready to offer our LNG-based cooling technologies to boost energy efficiency and environmental performance," he said. He added that the expected green energy transmission from Sarawak to Johor would create more investment avenues for Japanese companies in line with the Asean Power Grid initiative actively championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Shikata also highlighted transportation as a critical pressure point in Johor's growth trajectory, urging modern solutions to curb congestion and unlock economic efficiency. "Japan stands ready to support Johor with AI-powered traffic systems and integrated smart public transport. "The RTS Link and E-ART system are crucial and Japan's technology can help make Johor a regional model for next-gen mobility," he said. He highlighted the pivotal role of Johor's seaports, namely the Tanjung Pelepas and Johor ports, in anchoring international trade. He proposed closer collaboration with Japanese partners to enhance port operations and vessel traffic management, boosting competitiveness and job creation. Turning to education, Shikata called for a stronger two-way student exchange and joint university programmes under what he coined the "Look at Each Other Policy," a progression from the traditional Look East Policy. "It is time we build new academic bridges between our institutions in Johor and Japan. These exchanges will cultivate future joint-venture leaders and deepen trust-based cooperation," he said. The ambassador cited the slew of recent high-level visits from Japan, including those by Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Economy Minister Muto Yoji- as proof of Japan's confidence in Malaysia as a gateway to Asean growth. "Through joint effort in green tech, transport modernisation and education, our partnership with Johor can lead sustainable development across the region," he said.
