PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are turning to alternative modes of transport as ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which are disrupting the global oil supply, continue to drive up fuel costs.
Private sector employee Nashrul Zabidi said the geopolitical situation has prompted him to invest in an electric vehicle (EV) as a long-term solution.
“The situation has made me realise how dependent we are on fossil fuel. Buying an EV feels like a long-term solution,” he said when contacted.
Similarly, yoga instructor Diyana Azilah Murad said rising fuel prices also pushed her towards getting an EV.
Although she has to make a downpayment for the EV, she described her decision as a form of protection against future oil shocks.
Civil servant Laila Hamdan said she prefers taking the train as it offers both affordability and peace of mind amid fluctuating fuel prices.
“It’s not just cheaper, it gives me peace of mind knowing my daily commute won’t suddenly cost more overnight,” she said.
Fitness trainer Rozi Sadiq echoed a similar sentiment, saying he has swapped driving for rail travel.
He said the train is a more stable option and is less stressful than driving now, where he has to worry about fuel expenses and deal with heavy traffic.
Meanwhile, project manager Zulhilmi Ahmat said he is using bus as diesel prices soared.
Zulhilmi, from Shah Alam, now uses Rapid bus services for his daily commute, reserving his four-wheel-drive vehicle for work-related travel and family outings.
Freelance graphic artist Rais Wahab, 36, has instead opted to repair his motorcycle to reduce his petrol usage.
He said switching to the bike instead of using the family car helps him manage his daily costs.
“It is a small motorcycle, so I only have to refuel less than RM10,” he added.
Entrepreneur Amir Raihan, 43, said he is planning to purchase a petrol-powered car for family use instead of relying on his diesel pick-up truck.
While he continues to use the truck for work, he said rising diesel costs have made it unsustainable for daily use.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer Dr T. Saravanan said even those in the higher-income group are opting for more fuel-efficient vehicles for their daily commuting while reserving larger cars for occasional use.
“Instead of drastic changes like switching to public transport, they are adjusting their lifestyle by reducing unnecessary trips and planning journeys more carefully,” he said.
FIVE Petroleum founder Datuk Seri Dr King Lim Chin Fui said the country’s energy consumption per capita is nearly twice the global average, with more than 80% of its energy mix still reliant on fossil fuels.
“This means external shocks are quickly transmitted into the domestic economy as the issue is not supply alone but structural resilience.”
He noted that the present volatility could create long-term opportunities in the nation’s energy infrastructure and transition-related sectors.
