“It will take 10 years” – Malaysia is Considering Nuclear Power as Long-Term Option for National Energy Supply

Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has revealed that the Federal Government is considering nuclear power as part of the potential energy mix for the future. 

However, he stressed that no decision to proceed with nuclear energy has been made, as the proposal is still in the early stages of studying the feasibility.  

Malaysia is studying nuclear power as a long-term option for the national energy supply

For illustration purposes

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, was quoted by BERNAMA during the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 in Kuching, Sarawak, yesterday as saying that the Government’s current stance is to treat nuclear power as a long-term option rather than an immediate solution.

He added that extensive groundwork is being carried out, including international benchmarking and regulatory planning.

Fadillah asserted,

“I’ve visited the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, and we will also be going to the United States, China, and South Korea. We are analysing all available technologies, including their safety and environmental implications,”

Implementing nuclear power would take 10 years

Datuk seri fadillah yusof (left)

The Deputy Prime Minister II further assured that any move to adopt nuclear energy in Malaysia must comply with strict international treaties, particularly involving the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

Moreover, he assured that the nuclear option will only proceed after Malaysia signs all 18 required international treaties and after getting widespread support from Malaysians.

He elaborated,

“Only after we sign all 18 required international treaties, and receive approval at that level, can we even begin to consider incorporating nuclear into our national energy supply…

“We must engage the public and secure their buy-in. Without public acceptance, we cannot move forward with nuclear,”

Taking into consideration all of the regulatory approvals, technical requirements and necessary public engagements, Fadillah said that implementing nuclear energy in Malaysia would take at least 10 years.

Currently, there is only 1 nuclear power plant in Southeast Asia, which is located in the Philippines. This may change soon, as Indonesia recently announced that it is building nuclear power plants in Borneo and Sumatra by 2034.

So, what do you guys think of the Deputy Prime Minister II’s statement? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments. 

Also read: “24,000 tons of uranium in reserve” – Indonesia to Build Nuclear Power Plants in Borneo & Sumatra by 2034