JOHOR BARU: The government is implementing measures to address the global fuel shortage amid the Middle East conflict, including exploring alternative raw materials.
Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the fuel shortage will lead to a supply crunch in other materials, particularly those with petroleum as their base.
"June and July will be a very critical period in ensuring fuel supplies are available and assured.
"It will be equally important to ensure that our industries also have an ample supply of other raw materials, including those made from fuel.
"We have received complaints (from companies) about receiving only two tonnes of materials for orders of 10 tonnes," he told reporters when met after attending the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Pelangi Parent-Teacher Association meeting on Saturday (April 11).
He said it was vital to take immediate steps from now to ensure the supply of materials, including medication and medical devices, remains stable.
“In the manufacturing of medical devices that previously relied solely on resin, we can explore the use of polymer using other materials as its base.
“However, this requires immediate follow-up action from the government, including recognition and certification of the material,” he said.
Akmal Nasrullah added that the government also acknowledged that most goods, including medicines and medical devices, depend on fuel as a key input, which in turn increases costs when energy prices rise.
“When fuel becomes an input element, it will certainly affect production costs and subsequently the prices of those goods,” he said.
In this regard, the government has asked the relevant agencies to thoroughly examine supply availability and arrange immediate intervention measures to ensure the supply chain remains stable.
Earlier, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the ministry is monitoring increases in the prices of medicines and medical devices of up to 40% following the global energy crisis and supply chain disruptions.
