KOTA KINABALU, November 4 – Sabah Government Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Masiung Banah has proposed that Sabah host Malaysia’s first nuclear power plant.
He suggested exploring Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) technology along Sabah’s coastline. According to him, this approach could offer greater flexibility in construction costs and project timelines compared with conventional land-based facilities.
Masiung said Malaysia should begin considering nuclear energy as part of its long-term development plans and growing electricity needs.
Sabah Could Explore Floating Nuclear Technology
Masiung said Sabah’s extensive coastline could make the state a potential location for floating nuclear power facilities.
He argued that FNPP technology could offer a more flexible option in terms of construction costs, implementation time and geographical requirements.
He also urged the Sabah state government and the Federal Government to work together to examine the proposal.
He suggested that discussions could take place through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Council.
Rising Electricity Demand Raises Energy Concerns
Masiung said Sabah should prepare for higher electricity demand by 2031.
He also highlighted the state’s reliance on natural gas and diesel, which he said could expose its electricity supply to changes in global energy markets.
He pointed to international developments, including tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, as reasons to consider long-term energy security.
According to Masiung, Malaysia should explore ways to diversify its electricity sources rather than depend heavily on fossil fuels.
Earlier Remarks Identified Sabah as a Potential Location
The proposal follows earlier remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah had identified Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia as practical locations for potential nuclear energy development in the coming decade.
However, Malaysia has not made a final decision on the location or technology for a nuclear power plant.
The Government is still assessing possible technologies, suitable sites, safety requirements, environmental impacts and financing arrangements.
Proposal Calls for Further Government Discussions
Masiung said the proposed floating nuclear energy initiative should be examined through cooperation between the Sabah and Federal governments.
He also called for the proposal to be brought into discussions under the MA63 implementation framework.
He said exploring nuclear technology could form part of Malaysia’s longer-term efforts to strengthen electricity supply and reduce carbon emissions.
The proposal remains a suggestion by the Sabah assemblyman. It does not represent an approved decision to build a nuclear power plant in the state.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
