By Amanda L
KUCHING, Mar 22: Malaysia is actively evaluating energy supplies from Australia and other Asia-Pacific countries while ordering government offices to maintain air-conditioning at 24 degrees Celsius as part of measures to manage electricity demand.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof said the initiative is aimed at ensuring the country’s energy security amid uncertainties along major supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz which remains vulnerable due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“PETRONAS has already developed alternative supply plans to ensure the country’s energy reserves remain stable,” he told reporters after the ‘Majlis Ramah Mesra Rakyat Bersama TPM’ programme hosted by the Community Leaders and Village Chiefs (KMKK) of the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency today.
Fadillah, who also serves as Federal Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), emphasised that diversifying energy sources must be paired with domestic measures to reduce consumption.
“All government offices have been instructed to set air-conditioning at 24 degrees Celsius, and work-from-home arrangements for non-critical sectors are being considered as an additional energy-saving measure,” he added.
He urged the public to adopt responsible electricity usage, including switching off appliances when not in use, highlighting that energy security requires collective effort.
On the global front, Fadillah said the government is closely monitoring Brent crude prices, which are expected to rise in the near term, while Putrajaya continues to maintain subsidies for RON95 petrol and diesel for targeted sectors including logistics, and Sabah and Sarawak benefit from subsidised rates to support economic stability and manage living costs.
He also acknowledged challenges related to fuel smuggling due to price disparities with neighbouring countries, noting that stronger enforcement is critical to protecting domestic supply.
While energy remains the primary concern, he also addressed water supply management amid extreme heat in parts of northern Peninsular Malaysia with authorities monitoring reservoir levels, coordinating with state operators and urging the public to use water prudently. — DayakDaily
