Planning Vital To Prevent Constraints In Electricity System -- DPM Fadillah
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called for timely decisions, coordinated planning and the ability to deliver infrastructure on the electricity system before constraints begin to hold back the country’s growth.
He said there should also be greater flexibility in power flows across Peninsular Malaysia which will help the government to respond to changing demand patterns, accommodate new power generation and support the integration of renewable energy.
Malaysia’s electrical system should keep pace as industries expand and the economy becomes increasingly digital, more so since energy security is fundamental to Malaysia’s development and economic resilience, he said.
“The infrastructure we develop today must serve the needs of tomorrow,” he said when officiating the CGNEI Gas Turbine Power Committee 2026 Work Conference at the Edra Melaka Power Plant (EMPP) in Melaka today.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, stressed that every investment and technological advancement should ultimately translate into meaningful benefits for the people whom the government serves.
Gas turbine technology continues to play an important role in Malaysia’s power generation landscape.
Its ability to provide dependable electricity and operational flexibility helps support grid stability and complement the growing contribution of variable renewable energy.
“We must also remain mindful of the uncertainties around us. Geopolitical tensions, fuel price volatility, supply chain disruptions and climate-related risks can affect both the availability and cost of energy,” he said.
“These challenges demand careful judgment as we work to maintain security of supply, protect affordability and advance our climate commitments,” he said.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted that peak electricity demand in Peninsular Malaysia could increase substantially within less than a decade.
Citing government growth projections, he cautioned they indicate that peak electricity demand in Peninsular Malaysia could rise from 21.3 gigawatts in 2026 to 33.5 gigawatts by 2035.
“This is a substantial increase in less than a decade,” he said.
Fadillah pointed out that Malaysia’s growing role in data centres, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and other high-value industries presents considerable opportunities and challenges.
“These investments can create quality employment, strengthen local enterprises and advance our technological capabilities.
“They also place greater demands on our electricity system and supporting infrastructure,” he said, adding that emerging data centre developments in Melaka illustrate this need clearly.
He said the opportunities being explored through collaboration between Melaka Corporation (MCorp) and Edra reinforce the importance of aligning digital investment with the availability of electricity, grid capacity, water and other essential utilities.
This entails investments across the electricity system, from generation to transmission and distribution.
He emphasised that a new power plant can fulfil its purpose only when the wider network can deliver its electricity safely and efficiently to where it is needed.
To this end, the government places strong emphasis on strengthening the capacity and resilience of the national grid.
Sustained attention on grid development, digitalisation and demand-side management are needed, he said.
“Our responsibility is to turn this direction into delivery. That means clear implementation milestones, sound governance and close coordination between government and industry.
“It also means having the humility to review our assumptions as circumstances change, while remaining steadfast in the outcomes we seek for our nation,” said Fadillah.
--BERNAMA