THE Government is stepping up a coordinated response to mitigate the far-reaching effects of the global energy crisis, with the government implementing measures to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, maintain essential goods, and protect the economy, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said on Tuesday.
The minister highlighted that developments in the Middle East have moved beyond a regional issue, evolving into a global energy crisis with potential disruptions to energy supplies, aviation, logistics, food, medical provision, and other critical supply chains.
“This ultimately touches the daily lives of the people and the functioning of the national economy,” he said.
The matter has been the focus of weekly sessions of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) since early March, including consultations with affected industries.
Akmal stressed that the government’s immediate priority is ensuring the public continues to access basic necessities, with price stability and uninterrupted economic activity.
While supplies are assured for April and May, he acknowledged that sustaining energy requirements from June onward presents the most formidable challenge.
Measures are being implemented not only to maintain supply continuity but also to regulate consumption and demand.
The minister noted that nearly all production and distribution sectors rely on energy, meaning any global disruption can reverberate throughout supply chains.
“The government is focused not only on energy issues but also on the security of food, medical supplies, logistics, and the cost of living.
“Various mitigation measures have been coordinated through MTEN, including daily and weekly price monitoring, affordable goods sales initiatives, and anti-smuggling operations at borders,” he said.
The government is tracking economic indicators through a high-frequency dashboard across sectors to detect early pressure points and respond swiftly.
The Ministry of Economy has been tasked with coordinating a unified approach, covering macroeconomic, fiscal, financial, and sectoral policies to ensure that interventions are mutually supportive and effective.
In a bid to strengthen national resilience, MTEN has explored diversifying fuel sources, enhancing strategic partnerships with key trading nations, and securing essential production inputs.
Petronas and related agencies are actively implementing these measures, while Bank Negara Malaysia will provide financial assistance to affected companies.
Practical steps have also been introduced to reduce daily strain and ensure operational continuity, including flexible working hours and remote working arrangements for public service sectors from 15 April 2026, excluding critical areas such as security, health, and education.
The MTEN update further highlighted strategies to curb leakage and smuggling of controlled goods, including heightened monitoring of supply chains at petrol stations and border points, integrated operations with KPDN, PDRM, and APMM, and a “Whole of Nation” approach.
Medical and pharmaceutical supplies have been placed under close scrutiny.
Short-term measures include centralised stock monitoring, diversification of import sources, activation of emergency response plans, designation of controlled items, and Special Access Pathways to ensure access to critical necessities.
Longer-term initiatives aim to establish strategic national stockpiles, transition to alternative raw materials for certain products, implement the MyMedSecure policy, and bolster domestic pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.
MTEN has also assessed the implications of the global energy crisis for Hajj operations, prioritising the safety of 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims.
The minister also emphasised the government’s proactive and holistic stance: “In an uncertain world, the government will act systematically and comprehensively to ensure citizens remain protected, national strategic supplies are secure, and the Malaysian economy remains resilient.
“Our focus is not merely on monitoring the crisis, but on managing its impact, reducing risks, and helping the people navigate this challenging period as effectively as possible.” - April 7, 2026
