Malaysia

Nation strengthens economic defences as global conflict and El Niño threats loom

The leaders intensify preparations for the anticipated El Niño phenomenon that threatens water security, food production and public health

Updated 1 hour ago · Published on 24 Jun 2026 8:08AM

Nation strengthens economic defences as global conflict and El Niño threats loom
Federal and State governments pledge closer coordination to shield the economy from mounting global uncertainty triggered by the Middle East conflict - June 24, 2026

MALAYSIA is reinforcing both its economic resilience and climate preparedness as the Federal and State governments move to counter growing external risks posed by geopolitical instability and the anticipated arrival of El Niño.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the 149th Meeting of the Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers centred on strategies to strengthen and revive the national economy amid challenges arising from the conflict in the Middle East, which continues to weigh on the global economic outlook.

The meeting also reviewed the country's readiness to respond to the expected El Niño phenomenon, with authorities assessing measures to mitigate its potential impact on water resources, agricultural production, food security, as well as the heightened risks of extreme temperatures and haze.

"Chairing the 149th Meeting of the Menteri Besar and Chief Ministers at the Parliament Building today. This meeting focused on various Government initiatives to strengthen and revitalise the national economy following the challenges and uncertainties arising from the conflict in the Middle East, which has affected the global economy.

"The meeting also reviewed the country's level of preparedness in facing the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to affect water supplies, the agricultural sector, food security, as well as increase the risks of extreme heat and haze.

"Emphasis was also placed on ensuring that every policy and initiative is implemented in a more integrated, efficient and people-centred manner, while strengthening economic competitiveness, attracting high-quality investments and safeguarding the well-being of Malaysians throughout the country," Anwar said in a Facebook post.

Anwar said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of close cooperation between the Federal Government and State Governments to ensure national policies are implemented effectively and development is delivered equitably across the country.

"God willing, the spirit of unity and consensus demonstrated through this meeting will continue to strengthen relations between the Federal Government and the State Governments to ensure that the benefits of development are enjoyed comprehensively by all Malaysians," he added. - June 24, 2026

Spotlight

Opinion

Ronnie Liu: What we should truly rejoice over is not the victory of any single party

Sports & Fitness

Ronaldo silences critics with historic World Cup double as Portugal cruise to victory

Malaysia

Foreign student held as police probe suspected murder of female student

Malaysia

Student seen crying with hair pulled in alleged bullying incident

Malaysia

Indonesian woman jailed 6 years for trafficking teenager for sexual exploitation in Tawau

Malaysia

Govt's 2026 fuel subsidy expense may reach RM37.2b despite Budi Madani diesel savings

Malaysia

Johor PRN: Maszlee accepts invitation to debate with Onn Hafiz

Malaysia

Home Ministry: Synthetic drugs now a major threat; East Coast most affected

Malaysia

Drug-positive man crashes into Terengganu Hospital emergency zone glass door

Malaysia

Bar Council voices reservations over planned split of AGC and prosecutor roles

You may be interested

Malaysia

Ministry tables Road Transport Amendment Bill to strengthen enforcement powers, increase penalties

Malaysia

How do “Ah Longs” obtain information from police reports filed by victims?

Malaysia

Home Ministry: Synthetic drugs now a major threat; East Coast most affected

Malaysia

Govt's 2026 fuel subsidy expense may reach RM37.2b despite Budi Madani diesel savings

Malaysia

Cops seize RM9.7 million in drugs as crackdown expands to violent crime

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Bangladesh PM Tarique given official welcome

Malaysia

Hamzah back in the saddle as opposition leader after brief shake-up

Malaysia

Parliamentary panel proposes sweeping safeguards to strengthen independence of public prosecutor