KUCHING: Sarawak sees no need to pursue nuclear power as part of its energy mix given its abundant renewable energy resources, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said Sarawak’s situation differs significantly from Peninsular Malaysia, which still relies heavily on coal-fired power generation and is now exploring alternatives, including nuclear energy.
“Peninsular Malaysia is looking for suitable energy sources because they are still using coal. Coal is not a technology to generate energy; it's just a source. So, they are seeking options, one of them being nuclear,” he said.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Abang Johari was responding to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof’s recent statement that Malaysia would review its nuclear energy prospects as a potential power source.
“I believe our Deputy Prime Minister (Fadillah) has every right to explore nuclear technology, especially for Peninsular Malaysia. But in Sarawak, we already have hydro, gas combined cycle and solar. Based on these resources, we don’t need nuclear,” he said, after officially launching the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 at Borneo Convention Centre, Tuesday.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is focused on generating clean, renewable energy and has set ambitious targets based on its available resources.
“We’re targeting 10 gigawatts by 2030 and 15 gigawatts by 2035. Based on current projections, these are achievable using our hydropower, solar and gas,” he said.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is already working with renewable energy companies, particularly in the solar sector and would continue to expand its capacity as technology improves.
“Sarawak will become a hub for renewable energy. So nuclear is irrelevant at this point because we have our own sources.”
He also highlighted Sarawak’s long-term interest in emerging technologies like fusion energy which, he said, could offer safer and cheaper alternatives to nuclear power.
“One of the technologies being developed now is fusion energy, which uses hydrogen molecules to produce energy. It's probably cheaper and safer than nuclear, and also produces hydrogen water. That gives us a strategic advantage,” he said.
However, the Premier stressed the importance of thorough research and not rushing into any decisions.
“Let’s wait first. Let’s do the research. No need to be in a hurry. We have plans. But ultimately, we need solutions to the climate problem.”
Abang Johari pointed out the severity of global warming, noting extreme heat waves in China and Japan exceeding 42°C, and warned that further increases could threaten human survival.
“That’s why we are looking for a solution. But Alhamdulillah, our Government, our country and our people are committed to the environment. The key lies in technology,” he said.
