PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that the relevant ASEAN ministers urgently explore the establishment of a regional standby mechanism for food security during crises, including the ongoing conflict in West Asia, to enable faster coordination and emergency response efforts.
Speaking at the plenary session of the 48th ASEAN Summit today, he warned that the energy crisis is already exacerbating food insecurity, as rising fuel prices continue to drive up fertiliser, transportation and production costs, creating immediate supply pressures across the region.
“If disruptions persist, ASEAN faces the risk of lower yields and sustained food inflation well into next year. Food security must therefore be treated as a regional strategic priority,” he said as reported by Bernama.
He added that there is a need to strengthen the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) mechanism and work with its partners to expand cooperation beyond rice reserves to include fertiliser security.
Referring to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration adopted last year, he said the 20-year framework recognises that energy security, food resilience, supply chain stability and stronger regional connectivity are now strategic imperatives, rather than merely sectoral concerns.
Hence, he called on the ASEAN member states to build on the momentum of the declaration, which reaffirmed its shared commitment to strategic autonomy, economic resilience and sustainable growth.
On the implementation of the ASEAN Framework on Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), Anwar said Malaysia fully supports accelerating the initiative, as it provides an essential layer of protection as domestic oil and gas production declines across the region.
“We must also diversify our fossil fuel sources and reduce overdependence on vulnerable supply chains. We must recognise that strategic collaboration with trusted partners and regional groupings can strengthen ASEAN’s long-term energy security,” he said.
He also urged ASEAN to fully leverage cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the broader ASEAN-GCC-China nexus, to build more reliable and resilient energy arrangements.
At the same time, the Prime Minister emphasised that the ASEAN Power Grid remains central to the bloc’s energy transition and long-term security.
He said greater investment is needed to accelerate cross-border interconnectivity and low-carbon growth.
On ASEAN nationals’ safety amid the West Asia crisis, Anwar urged member states to strengthen information-sharing, consular cooperation and emergency response mechanisms.
He said closer collaboration with external partners, international organisations and relevant stakeholders will be essential in ensuring the welfare of the people.
“From migrant workers and seafarers, to peacekeepers and students, the risks posed by regional instability demand stronger coordination among us,” he said.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s full support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship this year, Anwar said the theme Navigating Our Future, Together, is both timely and necessary.
‘It reflects the continuity of our shared vision and the resolve to strengthen ASEAN’s unity, resilience and centrality, in an increasingly complex global environment,” he said. – May 8, 2026
