MALAYSIA needs to develop and maximise its natural resources to strengthen energy security and safeguard its long-term national interests, said Maritime Network Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Seri R. Jeyenderan.
The maritime expert said Indonesia’s decision to reduce natural gas exports to Singapore served as a reminder that countries must ensure their natural resources and energy infrastructure support domestic needs and long-term economic interests.
“Indonesia is effectively saying: do not take us for a ride. Before questioning what Indonesia is doing, look at your own operators and examine what they have received from Indonesia over the years,” he said in a statement.
Indonesia began reducing natural gas exports to Singapore on Oct 24, redirecting some supplies from Natuna and Sumatra to meet domestic energy requirements.
Jakarta has maintained that the reduction remains within the minimum volumes stipulated in its supply contracts.
Jeyenderan said the development demonstrated how energy security could become intertwined with bilateral relations, particularly when countries depended on cross-border supplies of strategic commodities.
“Malaysia should take note of regional developments by placing greater emphasis on developing its own resources, strengthening domestic energy capabilities and ensuring its infrastructure supports long-term national interests.
“Malaysia should also maximise the economic value of its strategic location along major international shipping routes, particularly through the development of its bunkering industry,” he said.
He further stressed that bunkering, which involves supplying fuel to ships, presents an opportunity for Malaysia to generate revenue from its petroleum resources, port infrastructure and maritime services, while strengthening its position as a regional shipping and energy hub.
Jeyenderan said greater attention to the industry could help Malaysia capture more of the economic benefits generated by vessels passing through the region, including through fuel supply, storage and related maritime services.
He also pointed to Singapore’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, including through liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and strategic relationships with major global suppliers.
The latest development involving Saudi Aramco was an example, he said, with Singapore and Saudi Arabia announcing plans for Saudi crude oil to be stored at the Jurong Rock Caverns from the second half of 2027 to strengthen supply security.
“Why is Aramco going to Singapore? It is because Singapore understands that energy security is not simply about buying oil or gas today. It is about securing supply, storage, logistics and strategic relationships for the future,” Jeyenderan said.
He said Malaysia should pay close attention to these developments because Saudi Aramco was also an important strategic partner for the country through its downstream investments with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) in Pengerang, Johor.
Jeyenderan said Malaysia should continue strengthening its relationships with major energy-producing countries and companies while ensuring its own natural resources were developed effectively to support domestic needs and economic growth.
“International partnerships remained important, but countries also needed to ensure their domestic resources, infrastructure and long-term energy strategies were aligned with national interests. What is happening between Indonesia and Singapore is a reminder for everyone in the region.
“Energy security is about relationships, infrastructure and knowing who you can rely on when supply becomes tight. Malaysia must protect those relationships before a crisis happens,” he added. – October 29, 2026
