KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 11): Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia will explore nuclear energy carefully, with public input, focusing on trust, transparency, and evidence-based planning.

“When citizens understand the science, safeguards and benefits, they become active partners in Malaysia’s energy transition,” he said during his keynote address at the International Conference on Nuclear Energy 2025 on Tuesday. 

"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," Fadillah, who is also minister of energy transition and water transformation, added. 

He said Malaysia will decide on adopting nuclear power only after 2030, following the 13th Malaysia Plan, which outlines a possible programme for 2031.

On Tuesday, Fadillah said the government has formally designated MyPower Corporation as Malaysia’s Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (Nepio). 

MyPower’s role as a Nepio is to lead Malaysia’s nuclear planning, develop infrastructure, and strengthen laws following the International Atomic Energy Agency’s guidelines. It will also study nuclear energy’s potential for energy security and emissions reduction, while engaging the public to build understanding and trust.

"Through this role, 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 said. 

He said Malaysia’s nuclear plans are progressing in phases, including boosting the Atomic Energy Licensing Board’s capacity, training skilled personnel through international collaboration, and expanding research partnerships with global nuclear institutions.

The Atomic Energy Licensing (Amendment) Bill 2025, which aims to broaden the scope of the act to include additional aspects of safety, regulation and nuclear security, was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in August. 

Fadillah emphasised the importance of open public communication to promote informed discussions on peaceful nuclear energy, aligning with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and National Energy Policy 2022-2040 to support the goal of net zero by 2050.

“Our approach is guided by three principles: safety, transparency, and sustainability,” he said. “Any decision on nuclear power will be made with utmost care, grounded in evidence, public engagement, and international best practices.”