KUALA LUMPUR: The government has taken strong, proactive fiscal measures to keep the economy stable should the crisis in the Middle East continue, says senior political adviser to the Prime Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said the public should not be misled by claims that the government is unprepared or using the issue for political gain.
The measures include savings initiatives and maintaining fuel subsidies to help ease the public’s cost of living, Tengku Zafrul said.
“Even with global fuel prices rising, RON95, particularly Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95), is still priced at RM1.99.
“It is backed by government subsidies, without which fuel prices would have increased. This reflects the government’s care,” he told Bernama during the Singgah Sahur programme with frontliners at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters early yesterday morning.
He said the government held two Cabinet meetings to prepare for the impact of the crisis, adding that each ministry has been asked to make early plans for swift action should the crisis persists.
“Economically, the country’s position remains strong, thanks to strengthened fundamentals over the past two to three years,” he said.
He said the government under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has kept subsidies in place despite rising global oil prices to protect the people’s well-being.
“I urge certain parties not to mislead the public or politicise these issues. Compared with other countries, we are in a stronger position to face these challenges,” Tengku Zafrul said.
On March 11, in a special press conference on the Middle East conflict, Anwar said Malaysia’s oil supply is secure, with RON95 under Budi95 kept at RM1.99 per litre despite higher market prices.
He also assured that the government will continue monitoring developments in West Asia to safeguard the interests of the people and the country.
Earlier, Tengku Zafrul distributed food packs and baskets to frontliners at the Ampang Jaya district police headquarters, Pandan Indah police station, Pandan Fire and Rescue station, and Hospital Ampang.
