MALAYSIA TO EXPLORE NUCLEAR ENERGY IN PHASED, SCIENCE-BASED MANNER - FADILLAH

PETALING JAYA, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s exploration of nuclear energy will be carried out in a phased and science-based manner to diversify the national energy mix and enhance its reliability and affordability, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), said the initiative forms part of Malaysia’s long-term commitment to strengthening energy security and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“This exploration is not a sudden shift, but a carefully phased, science-based process to diversify our energy mix and strengthen energy security and affordability,” he said when officiating the International Conference on Nuclear Energy (ICNE 2025) here today.

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Themed “Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Source in ASEAN”, the conference brought together experts from the Department of Atomic Energy Malaysia, ASEAN Centre for Energy, China National Nuclear Corporation, AtkinsRéalis Canada and the Korea Nuclear Association for International Cooperation to exchange insights and strengthen regional partnerships.

Fadillah said that Malaysia’s nuclear energy exploration will be guided by three key principles - safety, transparency and sustainability - with decisions made based on scientific data, public engagement and international best practices.

He said, MyPower Corporation has been appointed as the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) to lead the country’s readiness for future nuclear development.

The appointment marks a key milestone in institutionalising Malaysia’s nuclear preparedness, with MyPower coordinating efforts across ministries, regulators and industry players.

Fadillah said that MyPower’s responsibilities include strengthening institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks in line with the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Milestone Approach, conducting feasibility studies and engaging the public to build trust.

“MyPower reflects Malaysia’s whole-of-government commitment to ensuring that any potential adoption of nuclear energy is orderly, transparent and in line with our MADANI values,” he added.

He said nuclear energy exploration is embedded within the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and complements the National Energy Policy (NEP) 2022-2040 to support a low-carbon and resilient energy future.

Current initiatives include enhancing the Atomic Energy Licensing Board’s (AELB) capacity, building technical expertise through global collaboration and promoting transparent public dialogue on the safe use of nuclear energy.

-- BERNAMA