Sabah offers to host Malaysia's proposed nuclear energy hub

Kota Kinabalu: State Government Backbenchers Club chairman Datuk Masiung Banah has stated that Sabah is willing to consider being a potential hub for Malaysia's proposed nuclear energy program. Masiung emphasized the need to prepare for rising electricity demand by 2031, while simultaneously reducing the state's reliance on natural gas and diesel due to the volatility in global energy markets.

He further mentioned that Sabah's current electricity supply capacity is lagging behind the infrastructure development in Peninsular Malaysia, which has led to the state's readiness to take the lead in this high-impact nuclear program. Masiung proposed that both Sabah and Federal governments could collaborate on developing the program, adhering to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) framework.

This proposal aligns with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof's remarks that Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia are the most practical locations for a nuclear power plant in the coming decades, provided the country decides to proceed with nuclear energy. Masiung also suggested exploring floating nuclear power plants, citing their potential to offer greater flexibility in construction costs and timelines, and better suitability for Sabah's extensive coastline.