Small modular reactor

Unity Government and Reform · Debate · 6 min read

Should Malaysia Pursue Nuclear Energy?

Between the need for carbon-free baseload power and long-term risks unproven in this region — a question with no easy answer

Malaysia has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 while maintaining a power supply adequate for a growing economy. The 2023 National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) lists nuclear power as one of ten long-term energy catalysts under consideration. The 12th Malaysia Plan calls for ongoing study of small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Neighbouring Vietnam has revived its nuclear power programme, and ASEAN as a whole is reassessing nuclear as a low-carbon baseload option. The defining question: does Malaysia have the need, capacity, and institutional maturity to pursue nuclear power — or are the risks too great to take on at this stage?