Malaysia’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is conducting a feasibility study on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs) to assess their potential as a stable base-load power source, said Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the study will focus on regions where renewable energy deployment faces unique challenges, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. “This study will carefully evaluate waste management strategies to sustainable energy ecosystem,” he said in his keynote address at the 5th International Green Build Conference (IGBC 2025).
The feasibility study will also focus on regulatory requirements, including the needs to amend existing laws and related regulations, as well as on human capital development. Fadilla also said his Ministry will examine nuclear safety, safeguards and security, alongside efforts to engage with the public to ensure wider acceptance before any further action is taken.
“We are also working together to ensure that human capital development will be one of the areas that we focus on, not only in terms of technology but also from the enforcement perspective,” he added. He said the Ministry has received positive feedback and encouragement from the public and industry players on the potential of nuclear energy as part of the renewable energy sources.
“But the process, as you know, requires us to ratify 18 international treaties and agreements, one of which is the 123 Agreement with United States. Only then can we firm up the final decision on whether nuclear will be part of our future energy mix,” he noted. In July, Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCMOU) with the US.
Touching on Sabah’s energy demand and nuclear energy potential, Fadillah said the government must assess the preconditions. “In Sabah, energy resources are limited. The state does not have significant hydro or solar capacity, and while battery storage, biomass, and biogas can play a role, these sources are also limited. Therefore, we need to identify other firm energy options that can provide a reliable base load for Sabah and the wider region.”
Fadillah said any decision must be based on meeting key preconditions. This includes securing public acceptance, ensuring regulatory frameworks are firmly established, and addressing all necessary requirements before moving forward. “The final decision on the exact location for the SMR cannot be made until these preconditions are satisfied. Only after the base framework is finalised can we proceed with the Environmental Impact Assessment and confirm the certainty of location for the SMR,” he added
