JOHOR BARU: The country is expected to experience a critical moment with regards to fuel supply by June, says Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
He said the government is implementing measures to address the global fuel shortage amid the Middle East conflict, including exploring alternative raw materials.
“June and July will be a very critical period in ensuring fuel supplies are available.
“It will be equally important to ensure that our industries also have an ample supply of other raw materials, including those made using fuel (oil and gas).
“We have already begun receiving complaints (from companies) about receiving only two tonnes of materials for orders of 10 tonnes,” he said after attending the SMK Taman Pelangi parent-teacher association meeting and handing over of aid here yesterday.
Akmal Nasrullah added that it is vital to take immediate steps to ensure the supply of materials, including medication and medical devices, remains stable.
“For example, 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.
He added that the government acknowledged that most goods, including medicines and medical devices, depended on oil and gas as a key input, which increased costs when energy prices rose.
“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 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.
