Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is seen as having strong potential to transition towards renewable energy (RE) through the exploration of geothermal energy following the discovery of more than 100 hot spring locations nationwide, including in Sabah and Sarawak. Geology expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Hariri Arifin revealed these findings as part of his research, highlighting the wide distribution of hot spring areas across Malaysia, although their use among the public remains limited to tourism, recreational, and light domestic activities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohd Hariri noted that it is unfortunate because most of these hot spring areas are left idle without large-scale management. Some are poorly managed and polluted with waste such as eggshells and food containers, despite their potential for more effective utilization. He emphasized that by applying expertise in earth sciences and geophysics, these geothermal resources could be explored to power turbines in generating cleaner and more sustainable electricity. Dr Mohd Hariri, who is also the former president of the Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM), mentioned that several related agencies, including the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia, SEDA Malaysia, and the Energy Commission, are actively studying the development potential of the sector.
However, the lecturer at the Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), pointed out that the main constraint in accelerating the development of the industry in Malaysia is not technology but rather the absence of a specific policy framework. He advocated for a National Geothermal Policy to attract investment and guide proper and sustainable exploration methods. He noted that neighboring countries such as Indonesia and Thailand have long benefited from this energy source, even though Malaysia possesses almost similar natural resources.
Dr Mohd Hariri added that UKM is currently collaborating with several related agencies to realize a Proof of Concept (POC) project in Ulu Slim, Perak, which has been identified as one of the high-potential locations for geothermal development in Peninsular Malaysia.
Meanwhile, UKM senior lecturer at the Department of Earth Sciences and Environment Dr Muhammad Taqiuddin Zakaria emphasized that the country should also pay attention to the potential of other earth resources, including Rare Earth Elements (REE). He stated that besides REE, Malaysia also has hydrogen gas and biomass, which are very important in the current economic context.
Dr Muhammad Taqiuddin explained that the distribution of REE in Malaysia is widespread, but the country still requires more detailed mapping to identify the exact locations of these resources. He noted that REE-related technology in developed countries such as the United States and China is at a more advanced stage, while Malaysia is still at an early stage in terms of research and development from upstream to downstream phases. He concluded by highlighting that Malaysia has huge resource potential, and if properly utilized, REE can become one of the drivers of the economy, particularly in the production of batteries and electric vehicle (EV) technology.