KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 — Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili gave one of the clearest signals so far that his government will shelve plans to build nuclear-power plants, despite rising energy needs driven by economic and population growth, the Wall Street Journal reported today.

Maximus told the house during question time that various studies need to be carried out to look into the ability and readiness of the country to manage a nuclear plant.

“The sentiment at the moment is not quite in favor [of nuclear power], and we need to get a lot more buy-in,” he was quoted by WSJ as saying.

A final decision will likely be made in about six months, the minister said, adding that the priority is to use existing resources before considering new options like nuclear power.