PETALING JAYA: The real challenge of adopting nuclear power is not the technology itself, but whether Malaysia can train enough specialists, tighten its regulations and win over a wary public, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang (pic).
He said the government is “doing, but not accelerating” its nuclear preparations and wants to ensure that any move is based on evidence.
“We are doing it, but not accelerating it. Hopefully by 2031, we can make a decision whether we want to choose nuclear as an option or not.
“Five to six years is just to make a decision, because it’s a big decision for the country.
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“We need to ensure everything – safety, environment – and also I think most important is people’s awareness,” he said in an interview.
Among his main concerns are whether Malaysia can put in place robust regulations and laws, build up enough technical and regulatory talent and secure public acceptance of nuclear energy.
Within the national nuclear power generation committee, there are six work pillars. The ministry is responsible for three of them – research and technology development, talent development and regulatory development – including oversight of the Atomic Energy Department as regulator.
The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry leads the other three pillars, covering pricing mechanisms, power generation and related matters.
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He said the ministry is working closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which will review Malaysia’s legal framework.
“Before you can ratify convention, for instance, the IAEA will check whether you have these laws in your country.
“If you don’t have them, you must make amendments or you have to make a new law. So these are the processes we are undergoing now,” he said.
Talent is another sticking point. Malaysia does not have enough nuclear professionals, and those who are qualified often work abroad because there is very little nuclear‑related work at home.
“If you lure them back but they can’t find a job, that’s also a problem.
“We need to firm up the decision, and only then can we start doing that,” Chang said, adding that policy must come before a big push to recall specialists.
Public acceptance is equally important, he said.
While some Malaysians may take a “not in my backyard” view of nuclear power, the region is already moving ahead.
Chang says that nuclear remains on the table as a potential low‑carbon baseload source, but Malaysia will take several years to weigh the risks, build capacity and gauge public support before deciding whether to proceed.
