Global energy crisis not affecting M'sia's energy supply security, says Ali Biju

KUALA LUMPUR: The global energy crisis involving the supply of coal and gas is not affecting Malaysia’s electricity supply security, says Datuk Ali Biju.

The Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister said TNB Fuel Services Sdn Bhd, as the supplier of coal to the independent power producers in Malaysia, had a long-term contract for supplying the coal, while the gas for electricity generation was being supplied by Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas).

"Electricity supply security in Malaysia is not affected also because of its power generation sector having a variety of energy sources.

"This is to reduce dependency on gas and coal by using renewable energy sources such as solar and hydro power.”

Ali said this in reply to a supplementary question from Abdul Latiff Abdul Rahman (PAS-Kuala Krai) on whether the country’s electricity supply security was being affected by the global energy crisis and the measures taken by the government on this issue.

Meanwhile, in ensuring that the National Grid system remained strong and stable, he said Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) was implementing the 500kV transmission line project from the north to the south of Peninsular Malaysia which would be the backbone of the system.

Ali said the project would be optimising electricity transmission to consumers throughout the peninsula and ensuring a reliable supply.

He said the government had also approved the Peninsular Malaysia Electricity Generation Development Plan for a period of 20 years to ensure sufficient supply.

The Asean Power Grid initiative was still at the preliminary stage with the discussions and engagements still going on between the ministry and private sector, he added. - Bernama