Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said there is no “pressing need” for Malaysia to adopt nuclear power, emphasising that the country still sees potential in solar energy and the Asean Power Grid (APG). While acknowledging the potential of nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), he suggested that the current energy landscape does not necessitate such a move.
However, the prime minister noted that nuclear energy could still play a role in the future, especially as Malaysia plans to host large-scale data centres that require substantial and scalable power solutions. SMRs, capable of generating up to 300 megawatts of electricity, are being considered globally for their efficiency and adaptability, particularly in high-energy applications such as artificial intelligence-driven systems.
“…In every meeting, people have been suggesting they want to put up small modular reactors (SMRs) and I don’t want to frustrate them because that’s part of the overall artificial intelligence (AI) requirements, which means that the nuclear option is there,” Anwar told reporters at the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 yesterday. “I know Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia have embarked on this and I’m trying to get us to work together to show that we have a better budgeting position.”
Last week, deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof mentioned that Malaysia is revisiting and reviewing the possibility of using nuclear energy as a potential power source. He explained that the decision is due to both the country’s and global energy demands.
(Source: The Star)
