PETALING JAYA: A work-from-home (WFH) directive for government ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies (GLCs) will take effect from April 15 as the government moves early to cushion the impact of a global energy crisis.
In a special briefing Wednesday (April 1), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said detailed guidelines for the implementation would be announced soon, but stressed that the move is part of a broader strategy to safeguard Malaysia’s energy security and protect the public from sudden price shocks.
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He said the Government chose to act pre-emptively through the Inisiatif Sokongan Rakyat (People’s Support Initiative), rather than wait for the fallout from the escalating conflict in the Middle East to hit households and businesses.
He warned that the global situation is expected to worsen before it improves and that the recovery period will be prolonged.
Among the measures already put in place are a monthly 200-litre quota under the Budi Madani 95 scheme and full enforcement of the subsidised diesel mechanism in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan.
Anwar said these steps are aimed at cushioning the impact of higher global oil prices while ensuring that subsidies remain better targeted.
He revealed that the Government is currently spending about RM4bil a month to absorb the spike in oil prices and shield consumers.
“This is not a small matter. The Government is providing an additional RM4bil to help the people, but of course our capacity is limited and we must also look at the experiences of other countries,” he said Wednesday (April 1).
Anwar added that the government is actively diversifying Malaysia’s energy sources to ensure that fuel and power supplies remain secure despite disruptions to global supply chains.
He said national oil company PETRONAS had assured that it can guarantee adequate supplies of oil and gas at least until May, describing this as an important buffer as Malaysia navigates the crisis.
The Prime Minister stressed that the situation can no longer be treated as business as usual and urged all sectors to cooperate with the Government’s efforts to save energy and avoid wastage.
He noted that the administration had already decided that Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year would be observed in a more modest manner, with cuts to Government spending and large-scale events.
“These are not ordinary times. We must adjust our lifestyle and our policies to protect the people and ensure the sustainability of our energy supply,” he said.
