KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is considering nuclear energy as a primary energy source to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the National Energy Policy.
The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) said this was seen as a proactive solution to the country's energy trilemma challenges of ensuring stability, sustainability, and energy efficiency.
MOSTI said they, together with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, had been tasked with exploring nuclear energy development in Malaysia, including providing technical expertise and training.
"The ministry, through Nuclear Malaysia and the Atomic Energy Department Malaysia, plays a key role in nuclear technology development and regulation.
"Nuclear Malaysia has the expertise to assist with the technical aspects of nuclear energy development in Malaysia, which will help the country transition to nuclear technology.
"Malaysia is optimistic that the existing expertise, along with international cooperation, will accelerate the safe and efficient adaptation of nuclear energy technology," MOSTI said in a statement today.
MOSTI added that the nuclear energy programme, if implemented, would strengthen Malaysia's position as a country committed to a sustainable energy future and carbon neutrality.
Meanwhile, with the increase in allocation for the ministry in the 2025 Budget, the ministry said it was committed to accelerating Malaysia's transition towards a high-tech, high-income nation while boosting Malaysia's position as a global leader in innovation and technology.
During the tabling of the Budget on Oct 18, the ministry received a 4.7 per cent increase in its operating budget to RM738 million, and a 0.15 per cent increase in its development budget to RM536.62 million.