The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) has been urged to work hard to promote sustainable development in the energy sector vital for stable economic growth in the region.

"Energy is an indispensable ingredient of economic and social development. The energy fossil fuels, particularly oil and gas are depletable.

"Therefore we have to work vigorously to promote sustainable development in the energy sector in the Asean region," Halim Shafie, secretary-general, Malaysia's energy, communications and multimedia ministry said in a statement.