By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 13: Malaysians have been urged to brace for potential economic and supply disruptions should the ongoing conflict in West Asia continue to affect key global energy routes.
In a report by Malay Mail, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the concern stems from the Strait of Hormuz’s role as a critical shipping route for crude oil bound for Port Dickson, Melaka and Pengerang, which together account for about 60 per cent of Malaysia’s downstream requirements for gas, petrol and diesel.
“If the conflict continues, we must anticipate more difficult conditions. The challenge for the government, particularly in terms of communication strategy, is to prepare the public to accept the reality. The pain is coming.
“But we do not want the public to panic. At the same time, we also do not want them to become complacent. So how do we balance this? How do we manage it? We must find a way. We need to think carefully about how to do this. We do not want panic, but there must be no denial syndrome,” he was quoted as saying during the Home Ministry monthly assembly today.
At the same time, Saifuddin reassured that safeguarding public welfare remains a key priority, including efforts to cushion Malaysians from the immediate impact of external shocks.
He also highlighted risks such as rising prices and potential supply chain disruptions, underscoring the administration’s continued focus on maintaining economic stability.
However, he pointed to the growing fiscal burden of subsidy support, noting that under current arrangements—including targeted fuel subsidies and diesel assistance schemes—government spending has risen from about RM700 million per month to approximately RM6 billion monthly due to expanded commitments.
While Putrajaya remains able to meet its subsidy obligations for now, the minister cautioned that prolonged global tensions could place increasing pressure on public finances. — DayakDaily
