Kuala lumpur: The energy transition should be leveraged as a catalyst for broader economic restructuring, with strategic focus areas including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and data centres, to enhance productivity and strengthen the country's economic prospects. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir emphasized the need for a holistic integration of energy, digitalisation, and economic growth to bolster Malaysia's resilience and long-term competitiveness.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Akmal Nasrullah pointed out that the energy transition agenda should not be viewed solely through the lens of decarbonisation. 'We must look beyond treating energy and digitalisation as separate segments. The objective is to integrate these growth drivers from a holistic perspective,' he stated at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) during a Ministerial Session titled "Powering Malaysia's Next Growth Chapter: Energy, Economy and Digital In Sync."
Akmal Nasrullah highlighted the importance of focusing on productivity and value creation as Malaysia seeks more integrated economic growth. He noted the interconnectedness of energy, digitalisation, and economic complexity, and stressed that energy serves as the foundation for digitalisation, enhancing productivity and driving higher-value economic activities.
To ensure long-term energy security and grid stability, Akmal Nasrullah urged the nation to maintain a reliable baseload power supply while advancing its energy transition agenda. He underscored the increasing importance of natural gas in maintaining energy security as Malaysia gradually reduces its reliance on coal. The development of the National Gas Roadmap (NGR) was mentioned as a pivotal step in securing the country's gas supply and testing new concepts for market resilience.
Akmal Nasrullah also reassured that Malaysia remains an attractive, lower-risk investment destination, supported by policy stability and consistency. He underscored that energy transition is not only about decarbonisation but also an opportunity for economic restructuring and moving into higher-value industries. Strategic investments are expected to create skilled jobs, develop local talents, and strengthen Malaysia's long-term competitiveness.