Employers should adopt practical steps such as flexible work-from-home arrangements and carpooling initiatives apart from boosting use of public transport
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has urged businesses to immediately help reduce fuel use through remote work, carpooling and more efficient logistics practices as all segments of society are called to play a proactive role in conserving fuel.
Its president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain Syed Husman said employers should adopt practical steps without compromising productivity or operational continuity.
He said this includes offering flexible work-from-home arrangements for non-critical roles, encouraging carpooling initiatives and increasing the use of public transport.
“Malaysia cannot remain insulated from external pressures.
MEF fully supports the government’s fuel rationalisation efforts and calls on all stakeholders to act decisively and responsibly in managing fuel consumption,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“Employers should optimise logistics planning through better route management, improved load efficiency and minimisation of unnecessary trips.
The use of virtual meeting platforms should be intensified to reduce the need for physical travel.
”Syed Hussain encouraged businesses to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices such as the use of solar energy and electric vehicles where feasible, while also fostering a culture of energy conservation within organisations.
“Beyond policies and operational measures, there must be a shift in mindset.
Employers should actively educate and engage with employees to instil responsible energy usage as a shared organisational value.
”He commended the government’s targeted subsidy approach, saying it helps cushion the impact on households and businesses while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
He stressed that implementation must be pragmatic, phased and sensitive to sectoral realities, warning that a one-size-fits-all approach would not be practical.
“Rising operational costs, particularly in logistics, transport and manufacturing, remain a concern as fuel accounts for a significant portion of business expenditure.
”He added that abrupt policy shifts could lead to higher production costs, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.
On MSMEs, Syed Hussain said they face greater constraints in absorbing rising costs and investing in green technologies.
He therefore called for targeted support measures, including tax incentives and grants for energy-efficient investments, phased implementation timelines and clearer policy communication to improve planning certainty.
“Fuel rationalisation must be a shared national responsibility involving the government, businesses and the public.
This is not a challenge for the government alone, it requires a whole-of-nation approach.
“MEF remains committed to working with the government to ensure that the measures are implemented in a way that balances economic sustainability, business continuity and national resilience.”