ANWAR URGES STRONGER EFFORTS FROM ASEAN MEMBERS TO REALISE REGIONAL POWER GRID

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called on ASEAN member states to redouble their efforts to make a well-connected regional grid a reality, in line with ASEAN’s energy transition.

He said the global energy landscape is shifting under the pressures of decarbonisation, supply security, and affordability, and this region is no exception.

“For ASEAN, home to 680 million people and among the fastest-growing economies, this transformation must be managed responsibly and collectively,” he said in his speech at the joint opening ceremony of the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM-43) and its associated meetings, and the 25th ASEAN Energy Business Forum (AEBF-25) here today.

Anwar said that under Malaysia’s Chairmanship this year, the region has achieved key outcomes for the energy sector, including the adoption of Phase One of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) and the endorsement of the Enhanced Memorandum of Understanding for the ASEAN Power Grid 

The Prime Minister said the decisions, which mark major progress in regional integration and the energy transition, would see the APAEC serve as ASEAN’s policy compass for the next decade, setting clear pathways to expand renewable energy, improve efficiency and strengthen regional interconnection.

“It also places equity at the centre of our transition. This ensures that all member states advance at their own pace toward a low-carbon, sustainable and integrated energy future,” he said.

Anwar said ASEAN Power Grid (APG), on the other hand, is a central pillar of ASEAN’s energy vision, embodying the region’s aspiration to connect our power systems, share resources and build resilience through interdependence.

“This will enable us to harness renewable energy potential, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and deliver reliable, affordable electricity across borders,” he said.

He noted that Malaysia has long supported the APG and the country is part of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which has enabled multilateral power trade.

In fact, the Prime Minister said preparations were also underway for the Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore interconnection and further work under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines framework.

“A well-connected grid strengthens regional integration, attracts green investment, creates quality jobs, and positions ASEAN as a hub for clean-energy industries and technologies,” he said.

However, Anwar said the aspiration faced challenges in terms of harmonising regulations, financing infrastructure and ensuring effective governance.

These challenges, he said, were significant but surmountable with trust, commitment and political will.

Anwar, therefore, called on all ASEAN member states to also intensify efforts in accelerating interconnection projects, aligning regulatory frameworks and deepening public–private collaboration.

-- BERNAMA