Wan Fayhsal urges govt decision on nuclear power as energy crisis deepens

 The Wawasan information chief says Malaysia cannot wait until 2030 to decide on nuclear power.

The 13th Malaysia Plan envisages nuclear power generation commencing operations in 2031 but a final decision will only be made after 2030, deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof said previously.

KUALA LUMPUR:

Wawasan information chief and Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has urged Putrajaya to accelerate planning and decision-making on nuclear energy to reduce Malaysia’s vulnerability to external oil and gas shocks.

Debating the 2027 budget in the Dewan Rakyat today, Wan Fayhsal said the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and wider global instability showed why Malaysia needed to develop a credible long-term energy strategy.

“Oil and gas will remain a major challenge to our economy. It is time for Malaysia to take serious and consistent steps towards developing our first nuclear power plant.”

Wan Fayhsal said any future nuclear programme would require a bold policy decision and long-term preparation, given the time needed to establish the regulatory framework, develop expertise, assess technologies and sites, secure financing, and build public confidence.

“Building a mega nuclear power plant takes a long time. It requires a courageous decision by the government and sufficient long-term preparation.”

Wan Fayhsal said the absence of a clear direction on nuclear energy in the national budget risked perpetuating the same cycle: global disruptions driving up fuel costs, the government facing mounting pressure to subsidise petrol and diesel, and public finances bearing the consequences.

“If the nuclear alternative is not addressed clearly in the 2027 budget, I worry that we will repeat the same script, with fuel subsidies becoming increasingly bloated and leaving a hole in the country’s future.”

He called on Putrajaya to accelerate energy reforms and give greater urgency to the planning needed for the first nuclear plant.

The call comes amid uncertainty over the government’s nuclear energy plans. The 13th Malaysia Plan envisions nuclear power generation commencing operations by 2031 but deputy prime minister Fadillah Yusof had said a final decision on whether to adopt nuclear energy would only be made after 2030.

The government is presently studying the appropriate technology, potential locations, financing, regulations, environmental impact, safety arrangements, public acceptance and development of local expertise.

It is also considering small modular reactors, which are not as large as conventional nuclear plants and may be deployed in stages. No decision has been made on the technology, capacity or location of any future facility.

Wan Fayhsal said the issue was not about rushing into construction but ensuring Malaysia does not defer the decision until after it has been overtaken by an energy crisis.

He said Malaysia must prepare for rising electricity demand from data centres, artificial intelligence, electrification and advanced manufacturing, while reducing its exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets.

“Malaysia must accelerate energy reform, with careful planning for our first nuclear power plant.” - FMT