{
  "id": 6216142,
  "title": "Energy reform key to investment, jobs and growth - Economy Minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/energy-reform-key-to-investment-jobs-and-growth-economy-minister",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-08T02:31:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Vibes",
    "slug": "the-vibes",
    "url": "https://www.thevibes.com/articles/news/127049/energy-reform-key-to-investment-jobs-and-growth-economy-minister"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasized the importance of energy reform as a key driver of investment, jobs, and economic growth during his keynote address at Energy Regulatory Insights 2026 in Petaling Jaya. He stressed that reliable, affordable, and cleaner power is increasingly critical in attracting investment, strengthening industries, and creating quality jobs. Energy reform should not be considered a separate sectoral issue, but a central component of Malaysia's broader economic strategy, as the cost, reliability, and sustainability of energy would significantly impact investment decisions and the nation's competitiveness. The minister highlighted that Malaysia's strong economic performance, with a 6.0% growth in the second quarter of 2026 and RM218.5 billion in approved investments, underscores the need for energy and economic planning to move together. Sectors like advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, digital services, data centers, and modern logistics are expected to drive Malaysia's next growth phase, requiring reliable electricity, stronger grids, and increased access to cleaner energy. The minister also pointed to large-scale solar development, such as the LSS PETRA 5+ programme, which is expected to generate more than RM6 billion in investment and create up to 12,000 jobs, demonstrating how energy policy can translate into investment and job opportunities. However, he stressed that energy transition involves more than just increasing renewable generation; Malaysia must modernize its electricity grid, expand energy storage, enhance system planning, digitalize infrastructure, and improve energy efficiency to support rising demand reliably. For Akmal, the primary goal is to build an energy system that supports investment, industrial expansion, and higher-value economic activity while maintaining affordability and reliability. He emphasized that the transition must create opportunities for Malaysian companies in higher-value areas like engineering, energy management, grid solutions, energy storage, and digital energy services. Success should be measured by reliability, cost management, productivity gains, reduced emissions, and built capabilities, rather than just the amount of new generating capacity announced.",
  "summary": "MALAYSIA must make energy reform a central part of its economic growth strategy as reliable, affordable and cleaner power becomes increasingly important to attracting investment, strengthening industries and creating quality jobs, Economy Minister Ak...",
  "key_points": [
    "Energy reform crucial for investment, jobs, and growth in Malaysia",
    "Reliable, affordable, cleaner power attracts investment and creates jobs",
    "Large-scale solar development expected to generate RM6 billion in investment and 12,000 jobs"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Malaysia's energy reform efforts will likely determine the country's ability to attract investment, create quality jobs, and drive economic growth, particularly in sectors like advanced manufacturing and digital services.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}