Terengganu MB Ahmad Samsuri states that the SG4 states are open to exploring portable, small-scale nuclear reactors as potential energy sources.
KUALA LUMPUR: The four SG4 states are open to exploring small-scale nuclear reactors as a potential source of energy for Malaysia, with Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar saying the focus could be on smaller reactors rather than conventional large-scale nuclear power plants.
He said the technology could be considered as Malaysia explored alternative energy sources to support industrial development.
“I think nuclear energy is a very hot topic. But we are not talking about a large-scale facility like Fukushima,” he told reporters at a press conference following the SG4 Powering Malaysia’s Next Economic Frontier programme today.
“I’ve been to a nuclear power station somewhere else. I’ve seen the scale of the reactors and all that.
“But I think what we are going to look at for Malaysia, if I may, is what we call portable, small-scale nuclear reactors, which can produce a smaller amount of energy,” he said.
Samsuri was responding to a question on whether SG4 had initiated discussions with the federal government on potential sites for Malaysia’s first nuclear reactor.
He said the four states — Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis — were open to exploring nuclear energy opportunities, although he did not identify any proposed sites or confirm whether discussions with Putrajaya had begun.
“We are very open about it. We are open to exploring any opportunity, whether in SG4 or in other parts of Malaysia,” he said, also referring to the possibility of a change in the federal administration after the 16th general election (GE16).
His remarks come as SG4 seeks to strengthen its position in Malaysia’s emerging energy and industrial sectors, including renewable energy, strategic minerals and advanced manufacturing.
On infrastructure development, Samsuri said closer coordination between the federal and state governments was needed to ensure that projects aligned with local development priorities.
“Sometimes our priority is not their priority,” he said, adding that states should have greater flexibility in determining their infrastructure needs.
He said the arrangement could be reviewed if the opposition formed the federal government after GE16.
Meanwhile, Samsuri said the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) should place greater emphasis on freight transportation to support industrial activities along its route.
He suggested a 70:30 ratio between freight and passenger services, noting that railway networks could play an important role in facilitating the movement of goods.
Samsuri said Terengganu had allocated areas near ECRL stations for small-scale industries to improve access to freight transportation.
He also welcomed the prospect of extending railway connectivity to southern Thailand, saying it could provide businesses in the SG4 states with access to larger markets.
