VIENTIANE (Sept 26): Malaysia is planning to establish a task force with Laos to strengthen cooperation in developing the energy sector of both countries, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also the minister of energy transition and water transformation, said the task force was among the matters discussed in the bilateral meeting with Laos Minister of Energy and Mines Phoxay Sayasone.

The bilateral meeting was held in conjunction with the two-day 42nd Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) beginning Thursday.

Fadillah said the task force would examine various aspects of cooperation, including efforts to increase the power supply from Laos to Malaysia and exploring investment opportunities for Malaysian industry players in Laos' energy generation sector.

The deputy prime minister added that he hopes the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Laos on cooperation to develop the energy sector can be finalised by next year when Malaysia takes over as Asean chair.

"If all the terms (of the MOU) can be agreed upon, the agreement will benefit both countries," he told a press conference here today.

Meanwhile, Fadillah said that the Lao-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project (LTMS-PIP) has entered Phase Two (2024-2026), with Malaysia supplying up to 100 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Singapore.

He also emphasised the LTMS-PIP's reciprocity aspect, where the participating countries can mutually support each other when facing power shortage, for example, if Laos faces insufficient power supply during the dry season due to low water levels at its hydropower dams.

Regarding the 42nd AMEM, Fadillah, who is also the AMEM vice-chairman, said Asean member countries are committed to continuing their close cooperation, including strengthening the Asean Power Grid (APG).

He said the Asean Centre for Energy has been given three months for a detailed study before submitting a proposal to the senior officials meeting (SOM) on the guidance and direction required to finalise the APG next year.

"What is the (implementation) process in terms of finance, governance and legislation concerning the APG, including inter-cross border transactions and regulations?" he asked.

Fadillah added that AMEM also discussed the Asean Development Bank and the World Bank's interest in collaborating to develop green energy in Asean.

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