Assessing nuclear energy needs

The Star

13 hours ago

JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is assessing the potential role of nuclear energy in its future power mix as part of efforts to ensure clean, stable and competitive electricity, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic).
He said the government's review follows the presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and aims to diversify energy sources, strengthen long-term energy security, cut carbon emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
'This is in line with our climate change commitments and growing energy needs,' Fadillah said when opening the 12th Asean Network of Regulatory Bodies of Atomic Energy (Aseantom) annual meeting here yesterday.
Nuclear energy, alongside other advanced technologies, is drawing renewed interest as a low-carbon solution for nations seeking to diversify energy sources and cut emissions, he noted.
Any future decision, however, will be based on comprehensive technical analysis, aligned with national development priorities and in full compliance with international obligations.
MyPOWER Corporation, the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation, has been tasked with coordinating preparatory work according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, said Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Trans­for­ma­tion Minister.
The process involves technical committees across ministries, departments and agencies, and covers areas such as national positioning, legal and regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement and human capital development.
On Aseantom, Fadillah said the meeting is a respected platform that brings together shared nuclear governance, capacity building and technical cooperation.
'This meeting takes place at a defining moment because around the world, the clean energy transition is accelerating, climate resilience is a pressing priority and emerging technologies are reshaping the energy landscape.
'As we explore next-generation nuclear technologies, our commitment to safety, security and safeguards must remain uncompromising,' he said.
The five-day event gathered top representatives of atomic energy regulatory bodies from all Asean member states, along with dialogue partners such as Japan, South Korea and international orga­nisations, including the IAEA.
During the meeting, the government, through the Atomic Energy Department, signed a memorandum of understanding with the World Institute for Nuclear Security to strengthen international cooperation and capacity building in nuclear security.
Meanwhile, Science, Tech­no­logy and Innovation Minis­ter Chang Lih Kang said that four Gamma Spectrometry Water Monitoring System units will be installed by year-end in Langkawi, Perhentian, Tioman and Bintulu to detect radiation in water sources.
'The devices will complement the existing unit already in operation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah,' he said, adding that the devices will enable early detection in the event of abnormal readings in the water.
Chang said the system is not only being implemented in Malaysia, but also across Asean, with all units linked to allow regional monitoring.