Power connects: Anwar inaugurating the 25th Asean Energy Business Forum at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The Ministerial Endorsement event, which featured the key energy cooperation plans, was a major part of these related high-level Asean energy meetings. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Power Grid (APG), considered the crown jewel of the region’s energy vision, serves as the backbone of the bloc’s cooperation, linking sustainability, energy security and affordability, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the APG, which was conceived more than two decades ago, embodies Asean’s aspiration to connect its power system, share resources and build resilience through interdependence.
“Malaysia has long supported the APG.
“This will enable us to harness renewable energy potential, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and deliver reliable, affordable electricity across borders.
“Malaysia remains fully committed to this shared agenda. With unity of purpose, we can balance the energy trilemma and power Asean’s growth,” he said at the 43rd Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting and the 25th Asean Energy Business Forum.
Anwar called on Asean member states to redouble their efforts to make a well-connected regional grid a reality.
He said with the global energy landscape shifting under the pressures of decarbonisation, supply security and affordability, this region is no exception.
“For Asean, home to 680 million people and among the fastest-growing economies, this transformation must be managed responsibly and collectively,” he said.
Under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Anwar said the region has achieved key outcomes for the energy sector.
“We have adopted the phase one of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation and endorsed the enhanced memorandum of understanding for the Asean Power Grid.
“These decisions mark major progress in regional integration and on energy transition,” he said.
Anwar also said the action plan will serve as Asean’s policy compass for the next decade, setting clear pathways to expand renewable energy, improve efficiency and strengthen regional interconnection.
“This ensures that all member states advance at their own pace towards a low-carbon sustainable and integrated energy future.”
Anwar said a well-connected grid strengthens regional integration, attracts green investment, creates quality jobs and positions Asean as a hub for clean-energy industries and technologies.
“These challenges, harmonising regulations, financing infrastructure and ensuring effective governance, are significant but surmountable with trust, commitment and political will,” he said.
Malaysia, he said, has long supported the APG and the country is part of the Laos-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project, which has enabled multilateral power trade.
In fact, preparations are also underway for the Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore interconnection and further work under the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines framework, he added.
