The Malaysian government has commissioned MyPOWER Corporation to conduct a thorough assessment regarding the implementation of a national nuclear energy programme. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced that this extensive evaluation will encompass the development of policies, legal and regulatory frameworks, and project feasibility. The study is also set to explore industry participation, human capital requirements, and essential stakeholder engagement to ensure a holistic approach to this potential energy shift.
Appointed as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation, MyPOWER operates under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation. The agency is responsible for coordinating preparations according to the phased guidelines established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This strategic move aims to bolster Malaysia’s long-term energy security while providing a stable foundation for the nation’s transition toward cleaner energy sources in the coming decades.
Datuk Seri Fadillah noted that the global energy landscape is currently defined by geopolitical volatility and significant fluctuations in fuel prices. He specifically highlighted tensions in the Middle East and potential disruptions to vital energy routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, as factors that threaten market stability. In this environment, nuclear power is viewed as a viable provider of low-carbon baseload electricity that could significantly reduce the country’s current reliance on fossil fuels.
Malaysia is not alone in this pursuit, as several other ASEAN member states are also re-evaluating nuclear energy within their own diversification strategies. The Philippines has set an ambitious target of 4,800MW of nuclear capacity by 2050, while Vietnam has officially reintroduced the technology into its national energy roadmap. Additionally, Indonesia is actively exploring the use of small modular reactors and floating reactors, with a projected implementation timeline starting around 2030.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised that any progress toward nuclear development in Malaysia will be grounded in rigorous technical analysis and aligned with international obligations. This cautious and comprehensive approach is intended to reflect the Madani Malaysia vision, which prioritises sustainable and knowledge-driven growth. By ensuring that future energy developments are carefully vetted, the government seeks to protect the well-being of both current citizens and future generations.
