BUKIT MERTAJAM: Malaysia has maintained stability through careful planning, but the broader economic outlook remains challenging, with rising costs affecting sectors such as fertilisers and food production, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said disruptions to global oil supply routes and facilities, due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, have driven global prices up, with countries like Singapore seeing pump prices exceed RM10 per litre.
He said Malaysia will continue to hold the RON95 petrol price at RM1.99 per litre despite surging global oil prices, with supply expected to last until May.
Some countries, including Thailand, have begun rationing fuel, while Cambodia has sought fuel assistance from Malaysia and Singapore, he added.
“The Government has been holding daily monitoring meetings, including at the Cabinet and National Security Council levels, as well as discussions with PETRONAS on managing fuel reserves.
“We are increasing gas production to cushion the impact.
“But when fertiliser prices rise, farmers are affected and this leads to higher prices of goods. That is our concern.
“It is alright to have complaints, but we must focus on solutions.
“This is not the time for excessive politicking when the global economy is under pressure,” he told a gathering at the Permatang Pasir Community Hall in Permatang Pauh yesterday.
Anwar said conflicts abroad were affecting the nation directly, adding that geopolitical instability, especially in the Middle East, was no longer a distant concern.
He said he has been in contact with several world leaders, including counterparts from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye and India, as tensions escalated.
“Tensions have now spread across the region.
“Even the Prime Minister of India (Narendra Modi) contacted me, asking if Malaysia could help explore ways to alleviate the situation,” he said.
Speaking on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Anwar also urged Malaysians to be prudent ahead of the festive season and called for moderation in spending and greater support for those in need.
“Spend wisely. If you have extra, help those who are struggling.
“Do not assume the current stability will last forever,” he said.
Anwar also stressed the importance of unity and stability at home, warning that even small disputes could escalate if not addressed quickly.
“We have seen in other countries how small conflicts can destroy a nation, the economy collapses, people lose jobs and lives are lost.
“We must not allow that to happen here,” he said, urging Malaysians not to take the current stability for granted.
On domestic issues, Anwar urged all communities to resolve differences through dialogue and within the rule of law, noting that dissatisfaction among groups is normal but must not be allowed to spiral into conflict.
Citing examples, he said non-Muslims have shown consideration during the fasting month, even at events where food and drinks are not served out of respect for Muslims who are fasting.
He added that a Chinese traders’ association in Kuala Lumpur rescheduled its celebration to before Chinese New Year to respect Muslim sensitivities and enable their participation.
“This is the beauty of Malaysia. Chinese and Indian friends who are not fasting do not complain about the absence of food or drinks.
“That understanding is something many people do not fully appreciate.
“As a Malay, I truly appreciate and feel proud of such friends.
“They understand us, and we should respond in the same spirit.
“That is how tolerance grows among us,” he said.
Earlier, Anwar joined some 200 locals to perform prayers at Masjid Jamek As-Syakirin in Kampung Pelet before visiting several villagers in the area ahead of Hari Raya.
