TRANSPORT Minister Anthony Loke said Malaysia is now operating in crisis mode, following the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
He said the Cabinet was briefed earlier today on the escalating situation, emphasising the seriousness of the situation as energy costs have increased by more than 100 per cent over the past month.
Although the full impact is yet to be felt, he said Malaysians should not take the situation lightly and were urged to adopt fuel-saving measures to reduce potential disruptions if the conflict continues.
"This is not something to joke about. It is a very, very serious matter," he said when speaking at a school funding ceremony for SMKJ Chan Wa, today.
Over the past month, Loke said energy costs have increased by more than 100 per cent, with many industries affected.
"Several countries are already in emergency mode. For example, the Philippines has declared an energy emergency.
"Nearby countries such as Thailand and Vietnam are also facing supply shortages, with people queuing up to get fuel.
"Thankfully, this situation has not happened in our country. But we cannot take it lightly because sooner or later, we will feel the effects," he said.
Meanwhile, Loke warned that although the full impact has not yet been felt, Malaysians need to start adopting fuel-saving habits to reduce the impact of disruptions if the conflict continues.
"We cannot waste resources. Resources are not unlimited and can be depleted.
"For example, in transportation, we need to encourage people to plan their trips more efficiently. Malaysians tend to rely on driving because petrol is subsidised.
"But we must reduce unnecessary trips and be more efficient. If there is an option to use public transport, please use it," he said.
He also urged companies to take proactive steps to save energy.
"Employers need to encourage employees to share vehicles. This is a simple step that we can take as a community and as individuals.
"If we don't start doing it now, we will face greater risks in the future as a nation," he said.
Loke added that although fuel supply is stable for now, uncertainty will remain in the coming months.
"Malaysia is an oil-producing country, but we are still dependent on global supply. The government's focus now is to ensure that fuel supply can be maintained.
"Our current supply is expected to be uninterrupted until May. But if the war continues, we cannot guarantee that the supply will not be affected. This is something that we all need to pay serious attention to," he said.
He said this situation should also be a reminder to Malaysians to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, including reducing food waste.
"We now have a sufficient supply of chicken and eggs. So, in terms of protein sources, we can consume more chicken and eggs.
"Food waste is a big issue in this country. We throw away tonnes of food every day.
"This is not only wasting food costs, but also the cost of waste management. It is double waste," he added. – March 31, 2026
