Malaysia aims to play key role in implementing ASEAN Power Grid

Malaysia is expected to assume a key role in the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) starting next year, leveraging its strategic advantages to lead the regional initiative aimed at integrating electricity transmission networks across Southeast Asia.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said key decisions regarding the APG roadmap were expected to be finalized at the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Kuala Lumpur this October, following encouraging progress made during the recent Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME).

The roadmap has been presented and received agreement in principle. If all goes well, implementation will begin as early as next year, subject to endorsement by ASEAN leaders, he told reporters when met at the International Energy Week (IEW) 2025 on July 15.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister said Malaysia was already ahead in terms of infrastructure readiness and cross-border interconnection, placing it in a strong position to support the rollout of the regional grid.

The APG, introduced in 1997, is a region-wide initiative to interconnect the electricity infrastructure among the bloc's 10 member countries, aiming to achieve fully integrated grid operation by 2045.

Malaysia's power grid is currently interconnected with Thailand, Laos, Singapore, and Western Indonesia, and is set to be linked with the southern Philippines in the near future.