With the rapid increase in electricity consumption, especially with new additions such as the data center industry and AI, the Malaysian government seems to be considering the use of nuclear energy as a new energy source soon.
It was reported that Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli said that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) together with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) will work together to ensure that the legal framework and regulations are developed transparently to enable the government to present and discuss ideas regarding the development of nuclear power plants in this country.
"Because the decision has been made at the level of the National Energy Council and also certified by the Cabinet, then in the 13th Malaysia Plan it is possible that nuclear resources will be officially included as one of the energy sources in this country," he said.
Rafizi said that apart from a complete framework, compliance with international standards should also be followed and emphasized before starting the implementation of the use of nuclear energy.
Technically, MOSTI has already introduced the National Nuclear Technology Policy 2030 which shows the country's agenda in mainstreaming the use of nuclear technology in enhancing industrial competitiveness, strengthening the well-being of the people, and at the same time conserving natural resources and the environment.
Even so, the policy currently does not say anything about using nuclear energy as one of the main sources of energy in the country, but with many countries now trying to find new sustainable energy sources that do not destroy the environment, perhaps the proposal this can be considered during the presentation of the 13th Malaysia Plan later.