KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s energy transition will be just and secure, with artificial intelligence (AI) serving national interests as the key measure of progress, assures Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the country’s energy system was being reshaped by geopolitical and technological imperatives, with one affecting supply and the other increasing demand.
“We will deliver on our promise to the people; our transition will be just, our energy will be secure, and AI will serve the nation’s interest.
“That is, and must continue to be, the measure of this work,” he said in his keynote address at the Energy Transition Conference 2026.
Anwar said Malaysia’s challenge is no longer just producing more energy, but ensuring it is secure, affordable and sustainable.
He added that the situation stemming from the Strait of Hormuz is rippling across the region, straining supply lines that power industries and homes.
“It is a stark reminder that our world is intrinsically interconnected and in the face of global geopolitical uncertainty, we are all equally exposed to external vulnerabilities.”
The energy crisis, the Prime Minister said, compels Malaysia and others to confront the reality that fossil fuels is not finite but may be less secure and reliable.
“The rapid expansion of AI is likely to accelerate this trajectory further, with data centres and advanced computing infrastructure requiring unprecedented levels of electricity.
“As countries race to build digital economies and harness AI-driven growth, the challenge before us is not only to generate more energy, but to ensure that it remains secure, affordable and sustainable.
“That is why as the Asean Chair last year, I pressed for commitment to the Asean Power Grid, because no single country can meet this demand efficiently on its own.”
Anwar said fortunately for Asean, the regional grouping need not start from scratch for this initiative.
“Since 2022, renewable hydropower generated in Laos has been transmitted through Thailand and Malaysia into Singapore, establishing South-East Asia’s first multilateral cross-border electricity trade.
“This pioneering initiative has demonstrated not only the technical feasibility of regional integration, but also Asean’s ability to translate a shared ambition into tangible cooperation,” he said.
Anwar said AI also presents various opportunities to accelerate energy transition efforts.
“From improving grid efficiency and forecasting renewable energy generation to optimising industrial energy use.
“AI has the potential to strengthen energy systems. The challenge however lies in ensuring that the growth of AI does not outpace the sustainability ambitions it is also expected to support,” he explained.
Due to its strategic location and competitive investment environment, Malaysia has emerged as a key destination in this global digital infrastructure race, said the Prime Minister.
“We continue to attract major data centre investments, particularly in Johor and Klang Valley.
“This raises the stakes, but in this regard, I have full confidence in Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s ability to guide our energy transition and deliver on the promises of AI and energy.”
