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THE Government is prioritising the security of fuel and essential supplies to ensure uninterrupted economic activity as the global energy crisis deepens, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir has said.
He identified fuel supply as the most pressing challenge, noting that current global disruptions are largely driven by supply-side constraints rather than demand.
“Taking into account views such as those of the World Bank, we know that the current crisis is a supply issue.
“Therefore, all available strengths should be focused on ensuring the availability of fuel and essential goods so that economic activity can continue,” Akmal told Bernama.
Akmal Nasrullah was speaking ahead of his appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled ‘Addressing the Global Energy Crisis: Efforts to Strengthen Economic Resilience’.
Referring to earlier remarks by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that Malaysia’s fuel supply is sufficient until at least June, the minister expressed confidence that Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is working to ensure continuity beyond that period.
He also pointed to a growing international trend of countries reassessing domestic priorities in response to supply uncertainties, with some potentially shifting towards alternative trade arrangements.
“At the same time, we are also observing a trend in many countries that are beginning to re-evaluate domestic needs. I expect some countries will look at diplomatic relations more in the form of barter systems (exchange of goods).
“That will be among the strategies that need to be considered to ensure that the nation’s interests are safeguarded through relations with other countries,” he said.
Speaking further during the programme, Akmal said the global energy crisis has also created momentum for the government to accelerate initiatives such as biodiesel adoption.
“(We do not want to see biodiesel merely) as an alternative that is forgotten once the crisis subsides.
“That is among the challenges — to change this situation so that we are proactive not only in facing the current crisis, but also in ensuring longer-term resilience (of biodiesel),” he said. - April 10, 2026
