MALAYSIA must accelerate efforts to diversify its energy mix to ensure a secure, sustainable and resilient power supply in the face of global uncertainties and climate-related disruptions, Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has said.
Fadillah, who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), stressed that the country cannot rely on a single energy source such as hydro or gas alone.
"We must be prepared in terms of energy, including the gas, biofuel, biomass, solar and wind sectors, so that we have a strong and balanced energy mix," he said after attending the PETRA Squad Programme for the Sarawak Zone at the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam in Lubok Antu near Sri Aman today.
He noted that the growing frequency of extreme weather events globally underscores the need for a more balanced and diversified energy portfolio to maintain supply stability.
Fadillah said such an approach would ensure the country has alternative energy sources available in the event of disruptions to global energy supply structures.
"At the same time, we must also protect the environment in our efforts to develop the national energy sector," he added, emphasising that energy security must go hand in hand with environmental protection and affordability for both consumers and industry.
Highlighting Sarawak’s energy infrastructure, Fadillah said the Batang Ai Hydroelectric Dam, the state’s first such facility developed in 1985 in collaboration with a Japanese company, continues to play a vital role in power generation.
"After 40 years of operation, the dam’s lifespan has been extended by another 30 years, proving that the project is sustainable.
"In addition to supplying green energy, the dam has also made a significant contribution to Sarawak’s economic development, particularly in the energy sector," he said.
The dam currently generates 108 megawatts of electricity through four turbines.
Fadillah also pointed to ongoing collaboration between Sarawak Energy Berhad and a Chinese firm to develop a floating solar project at the same site.
"The floating solar project is capable of generating approximately 50 megawatts of energy, further strengthening the use of renewable energy in the state.
"This step will expand Sarawak’s energy mix, which currently still relies between 60 and 70 per cent on hydro sources, while being broadened to include solar and gas," he said.
He added that similar initiatives are underway in Peninsular Malaysia, including a hybrid floating solar project by Tenaga Nasional Berhad at Tasik Kenyir with a capacity of 500 megawatts.
"The floating hybrid solar project at Batang Ai generates 50 MW of energy, and new projects are being implemented at the Bakun and Murum Hydroelectric Dams, which, once operational, will be capable of generating a total of 1,500 MW of energy," he said. - April 12, 2026
