KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia is moving towards a diversified and efficient energy transition that balances its energy security, affordability and sustainability while strengthening long-term competitiveness, Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said on Thursday.
Even as it manages this transition, Malaysia's oil and gas sector will continue to play an important role in the economy, with natural gas in particular projected to remain a major component of the primary energy mix through 2050 as renewables are scaled up, he said at the Oil and Gas Asia 2026.
Akmal also cautioned that excessive dependence on any single energy source would leave the country vulnerable to external shocks. "The objective is not simply to replace one energy source with another," he said, stressing that diversification should give Malaysia more options, reduce exposure to disruptions and create new sources of economic value.
He explained that stronger regional energy links will also be critical, pointing to the ASEAN Power Grid as a means of facilitating cross-border electricity trade, supporting renewable integration and improving regional resilience.
He added that Malaysia will require a stronger electricity grid, greater energy storage and deeper integration between energy, industrial and digital infrastructure, with private capital expected to play a larger role in financing the transition. ■
