Terengganu leader says SG4 will study portable small nuclear reactors
Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar said SG4 is willing to explore portable, small-scale nuclear reactors as an energy option.
At the SG4 Business and Economic Forum 2026 held in Kuala Lumpur, Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, the Menteri Besar of Terengganu, announced that the SG4 regional cooperation initiative is prepared to look into portable, small-scale nuclear reactors for Malaysia’s energy needs. He clarified that the focus would be on modest-capacity units rather than traditional large nuclear power stations. While he recalled a recent visit to an existing nuclear plant, he did not confirm any official discussions with federal authorities nor identify potential reactor locations.
Information on the specific technology, generation capacity, funding models or regulatory framework was also omitted. SG4 brings together Terengganu, Kedah, Kelantan and Perlis to pursue joint economic development projects.
Why it matters
Assessing small nuclear reactors could reshape Malaysia's future energy strategy and regional cooperation.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps report the leader’s announcement to study portable small reactors, but centrist coverage presents it as a reasonable, forward-looking option while right-leaning coverage emphasizes the lack of concrete details and official confirmations.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the proposal as a sensible exploration of small-scale nuclear technology, distinguishing it from large plants like Fukushima.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the announcement as incomplete, noting the absence of specifics on technology, funding, regulation, and federal coordination.
The right emphasises
- focus on modest-capacity units rather than traditional large stations
- no official discussions with federal authorities were confirmed
- information on technology, generation capacity, funding models or regulatory framework was omitted
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