It was not the case for Sarawak where hydropower already contributes almost 70% of its energy needs, whereas hydropower resources are not as abundant in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, which have a heavier reliance on gas and diesel from “non-clean sources”, he told reporters in Kuching.

Fadillah said no decision has been made about nuclear power as the government was still conducting a comprehensive study into nuclear energy, Bernama reported.

“Our projection is that the earliest it could be implemented is within the next 10 years,” he said. “Only when we are satisfied (with the study) and the public accepts the use of nuclear energy will we proceed to finalise the implementation.”

Fadillah, who is minister of energy transition and water transformation, said the suitability of locations near water sources such as rivers, seas or large lakes was a key consideration in the ongoing feasibility study for nuclear plant cooling systems.

Last month, Fadillah said the government regarded nuclear power as a long-term option rather than an immediate solution, due to the complexity and safety concerns associated with the technology. He said Malaysia was still in the early stages of studying its feasibility as part of the country’s future energy mix.

He said today that the government’s study into nuclear power would also examine the most suitable technology, development of local expertise, safety aspects, environmental impact, and the overall financing capability of the project.

He added that the government was also exploring new technologies such as small modular reactors and was planning several working visits abroad to identify the best, safest, and most cost-effective technologies for Malaysia.

“That’s why I visited Russia and France, and God willing, I will also visit South Korea, Japan, China, and finally the US,” he said.

Last month, Fadillah said Russia had agreed to continue cooperating with Malaysia to build the country’s capacity in nuclear energy development, covering institutional, human capital, technical, commercial and legal aspects.