KOTA KINABALU — Parti Kerjasama Anak Negeri (ANAK NEGERI) expresses grave concern and strong opposition to the proposal put forward by Kuamut Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah to deploy Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPP) off the coast of Sabah.
Its President, Datuk Henrynus Amin, stated that the proposal is deeply ill-conceived, dangerously short-sighted, and a potential recipe for environmental disaster along Sabah’s pristine coastline.
“I call directly upon the Chief Minister of Sabah to outrightly reject this ridiculous suggestion before any irreparable damage is done to our state’s reputation, environment, and economy,” said Henrynus.
Sabah Has Barely Tapped 5% of Its Clean Energy Potential—Nuclear Risk Is Entirely Unnecessary
Henrynus emphasized that while Sabah must firmly pursue long-term energy independence and self-reliance, resorting to hazardous nuclear energy is entirely the wrong path when the state has barely scratched the surface of its natural energy resources.
He pointed out that official data under the Sabah Energy Master Plan and Roadmap 2040 (SE-RAMP 2040) reveals a striking reality: Sabah has not even explored, let alone tapped, 5% of its total clean energy potential.
“Why introduce nuclear risk when Sabah has harnessed less than 1% of its vast solar potential and under 10% of its total hydro capacity? We also have over 100 MW of completely untapped geothermal energy in Tawau, along with rich biomass and ocean thermal energy potential waiting to be harnessed,” Henrynus explained.
Furthermore, he highlighted that Sabah has immediate access to affordable hydro energy right next door.
“Through the Sabah–Sarawak grid interconnection, Sabah can readily tap into Sarawak’s abundant hydropower to stabilize our power grid and satisfy immediate demand. Buying affordable hydro energy while systematically building out our own indigenous renewables gives the state the time and flexibility to achieve full energy independence without burdening Sabahans with dangerous, expensive nuclear schemes.”
Misinterpreting Federal Context & Distorting the Floating Concept
Henrynus cautioned Masiung against misinterpreting and distorting statements made by Federal Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, explaining that the DPM merely spoke in broad terms about studying nuclear energy feasibility for long-term national policy.
“The DPM did not propose or mention floating nuclear power plants, nor did he single out Sabah to build one,” Henrynus stressed.
“Datuk Masiung Banah took those general comments and unilaterally introduced the reckless idea of deploying Floating Nuclear Power Plants along Sabah’s coastline.”
He noted that global facts completely refute the notion that floating reactors are a quick or easy fix:
Only One Country Operates FNPPs: Globally, Russia is the only nation currently operating a commercial floating nuclear plant (Akademik Lomonosov). That single project took over 12 years to complete due to immense technical complexities, safety redesigns, and massive cost overruns.
Unproven Globally: Advanced nuclear nations like China and South Korea are still merely planning or researching non-operational concepts.
“If major nuclear-capable nations have not fully commercialized or proven this technology, why should Sabah allow itself to be treated as an experimental testing ground?” he asked.
Devastating Impact on Tourism, Marine Parks, and International Image
Henrynus warned of the severe consequences an FNPP would have on Sabah’s eco-tourism sector and international standing.
“Just imagine the sight of a floating nuclear power plant moored offshore along Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, or Tawau. What will happen to international perceptions of Sabah as a world-renowned eco-tourism destination?”
Threat to Iconic Marine Parks: Sabah is world-famous for its pristine marine sanctuaries—including the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Tun Mustapha Marine Park, and Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Placing industrial floating reactors along our coastlines directly jeopardizes these delicate ecosystems.
Damage to Semporna and Sipadan: Semporna and the world-famous Sipadan Island diving sites drive billions into our local economy. The mere presence or perception of a nuclear reactor nearby will severely tarnish Sabah’s green image and deter global tourists.
Loss to Fishing Grounds & Blue Economy: Our coastal waters host rich, traditional fishing grounds. A single radioactive incident—or even continuous thermal water discharges—would disrupt marine life, collapse local fisheries, and damage our thriving Blue Economy.
An Unnecessary Environmental Gamble & Lack of Local Expertise
Henrynus reiterated that deploying nuclear reactors off Sabah’s coast poses an unnecessary environmental gamble when safe, land-based renewables exist.
“Floating nuclear plants rely continuously on seawater for cooling, discharging heated thermal effluent back into the ocean and disrupting coral reefs and marine food chains. Furthermore, nuclear energy requires specialized operational expertise beyond our current local capacity, meaning total reliance on foreign technical management, which creates long-term security vulnerabilities.”
He argued that while nuclear energy might be considered by countries with massive populations, for Sabah’s population of 3.4 million, it is akin to “killing a mosquito with a brick.”
“The Philippines famously mothballed its Bataan nuclear power plant due to safety risks, financial burdens, and environmental concerns. Sabah must not repeat these mistakes.”
“I urge all Sabahans to thoroughly educate themselves on energy policy, environmental science, and technical realities. Sabahans should not accept unfeasible proposals without understanding the grave consequences.
“Sabah’s future lies in safe, green energy independence, protecting our tourism and marine parks, and smart regional cooperation—not nuclear risks,” concluded Henrynus.
