KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is ready to address two key challenges, namely establishing the region as a leading energy hub and finalising the Asean Power Grid (APG).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the APG initiative would enhance energy supply, fortify the region and create new investment opportunities.
"This is a major challenge, as the investment amount runs into tens of billions of ringgit. I believe Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is drafting plans in this area and considering how we can achieve this.
"The government is aware of the scale of this investment and is considering ways for TNB, along with other corporations, to realise this Asean grid," he said in his speech at TNB's 75th Anniversary celebration.
Anwar also expressed appreciation to TNB's management for promptly preparing to tackle the two major challenges he mentioned.
"Because I emphasised it, the management (of TNB) knows it well. The speed and pace of their actions.
"Even though I speak favourably today, the management understands. For instance, I urged the TNB-Petronas collaboration to expedite floating energy initiatives in Kenyir," he said.
Meanwhile, Anwar announced that the Floating Solar Farm Project at Kenyir Lake, costing RM2 billion, will be launched next month.
He added that it was the country's largest solar power generation project.