The government on Tuesday said the country's growing energy needs would be met by a nuclear power station that would be up and running in 2021.

But Lim Guan Eng, secretary general of the opposition Democratic Action Party said Malaysia already had enough capacity.

"Clearly Malaysia has more energy than it needs. Without any economic grounds or energy security justification, why then does Malaysia need a nuclear power plant?" he asked.

"Malaysians wonder what assurances can be given in relation to safety and environment following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear plant accident in Ukraine that claimed 56 lives and resulted in 4,000 cancer deaths," he added.

Loh Chi Leong, executive director of the Malaysian Nature Society told AFP: "There are obvious concerns over nuclear power."

Malaysia must develop energy efficiency technology and invest in solar, hydro and wind power, he said.

Peter Chin, minister for energy, green technology and water, said Tuesday the nuclear option was the solution to Malaysia's energy needs, and indicated the government was not keen to debate with critics but would work to reassure those living near the eventual site.

Loh said: "We would appreciate much more debate on this issue. We want an integrated formal power plan. We should concentrate on renewable energy."

Mohideen Abdul Kader, advisor with the environmental group Friends of the Earth Malaysia, expressed anger at the announcement.

"We are angry that the government does not want to engage with stakeholders. It is shocking news. Under ex-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, the government said it was not going nuclear. There is a U-turn in our policy," he said.

Mohideen said his group also opposed the plan because Malaysia could obtain technology to make nuclear weapons.

Malaysia last month said it would strictly enforce a new law to curb trafficking of nuclear weapon components after being linked to the illegal supply of sensitive technology to Iran and Libya.

"There will be political repercussions if the government persists on building a nuclear power plant," Mohideen warned, adding that the country should concentrate on energy conservation.

State energy firm Tenaga has said it could construct the country's first 1,000 megawatt nuclear power plant at a cost of 3.1 billion dollars.

The government had asked it to look at the option as oil prices surged and in view of the country's limited supply of oil and natural gas.

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