13MP: Nuclear energy by 2031; more waste-to-energy plants
Malaysia will have nuclear energy by 2031, according to the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) - which also aims to enhance other sources of clean energy.
The government is also looking to build more waste-to-energy (WTE) plants.
In his speech tabling the 13MP in Parliament today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that the government was considering adopting nuclear power as a clean and safe source of energy.
However, in the 13MP main book released by the government today, it outlines that a nuclear energy development programme will be implemented and is expected to be operational by 2031.
It said the MyPower Corporation will be the implementing organisation, in charge of administering the programme as per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regulations.
It would also be put in charge of communications, education and public awareness programmes, as well as investment, research and development, and training experts.
Yesterday, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang told Parliament that a pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy has already been completed.
Under the 13MP, the government plans to build more WTE plants through public-private partnerships to reduce reliance on landfills.
WTE is controversial in Malaysia, due to fears that the burning of waste could lead to serious environmental and health hazards.
However, landfills are also becoming increasingly unsustainable.
