LETTER: Energy security is the primary framework for evaluating nuclear energy. Strategically, energy security encompasses a nation’s ability to maintain reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supplies, minimise vulnerability to external disruptions, and ensure sufficient capacity to meet future demand.
Malaysia faces several vulnerabilities. Coal imports make up a large share of electricity generation, and domestic oil and gas reserves are declining.
In 2023, over 55 per cent of electricity came from coal and natural gas, exposing the country to global fuel price fluctuations and supply chain risks.
As oil and gas fields mature, extraction will become costlier and less competitive.
At the same time, electricity demand is projected to rise substantially due to economic digitalisation, industrial upgrading, the adoption of electric mobility, and the growth of energy-intensive sectors such as data centres.
Nuclear power offers strategic advantages. It delivers reliable baseload electricity, low operational carbon emissions, and diversification of energy sources.
Unlike solar and wind, nuclear is not weather-dependent and operates continuously.
Fuel can be stockpiled, and modern reactors are safer and more efficient than older designs.
Nevertheless, nuclear energy has challenges. High capital costs, long construction periods, radioactive waste, safety concerns, public acceptance, and strict regulation are major barriers.
Financing requires large upfront investments and long payback periods.
Waste management and public acceptance remain difficult issues. Decisions must consider technical, economic, and institutional readiness.
The debate should not be framed as a binary choice regarding nuclear energy.
The central question is whether the strategic benefits outweigh the associated risks within Malaysia’s specific national context.
Based on this analysis, Malaysia should adopt a gradual, pragmatic approach rather than making an immediate decision on nuclear deployment.
First, the government should formulate a comprehensive national nuclear readiness roadmap that assesses future energy demand, technological advancements, financing models, and long-term energy scenarios.
Second, Malaysia should strengthen its institutional and regulatory capacities. Establishing a credible, independent regulatory framework is essential before considering any future nuclear programme.
Third, Malaysia should invest in human capital. Building expertise in nuclear engineering, safety, regulation, and emergency preparedness will take years, requiring university programs, partnerships, and training opportunities.
A skilled workforce is essential for safe operation and regulation if Malaysia moves forward.
Fourth, Malaysia should enhance cooperation with international organisations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and partner countries with established nuclear industries.
Such engagement would let Malaysia benefit from international best practices without committing prematurely to reactor construction.
Fifth, public engagement should be central to policy planning, as public confidence will ultimately determine nuclear energy’s political and social viability.
Most importantly, nuclear should be one part of a diversified energy portfolio.
Renewables, natural gas, regional power links, energy storage, and hydrogen should remain central to Malaysia’s energy transition. Integrating nuclear with these can cut emissions and ensure grid stability.
Malaysia should continue investing in solar, hydro, and biomass and pursue regional power grid integration for added security.
The debate over nuclear energy should not be simplified to a question of support or opposition. Such a binary perspective does not capture the complexity of Malaysia’s future energy challenges.
Malaysia’s long-term objective extends beyond expanding electricity generation to establishing an energy system that is secure, affordable, sustainable, and resilient.
Achieving this objective will require diversification, strategic planning, and institutional preparedness.
Nuclear energy is not a singular solution or an inevitable outcome for Malaysia. However, dismissing it may be shortsighted as demand and decarbonisation pressures grow.
International experience shows nuclear can work well with renewables to deliver reliable, low-carbon power.
Malaysia should prepare for nuclear’s potential adoption, focusing on readiness rather than immediate deployment.
COLONEL AWIS IBRAHIM
Malaysian Armed Forces
National Resilience College
National Centre for Defence Studies (PUSPAHANAS)
Putrajaya