SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government has been ordered to prepare to meet the challenges that may arise from the current geopolitical climate.
State Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said industries such as manufacturing, construction, and logistics as well as essential goods like food supplies would all be affected.
“The tourism industry will also be impacted, especially when airfares rise,’’ Sultan Sharafuddin said in his royal address at the opening of the first meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly on Monday (April 20).
To face the possible uncertainties, the Ruler said it was crucial for a consensus between leaders and the people for the challenges to be effectively met based on unity and mutual understanding, despite differences in race, religion, and culture.
“Community leaders and politicians must contribute towards efforts to help the people and must not take advantage of the crisis in ways that could disrupt public unity," Sultan Sharafuddin said, adding that he wanted Selangor to remain resilient.
The Ruler also said he wanted everyone to be prudent and that he was concerned about the rise in global oil and gas prices and oil supply shortages due to the conflict in the Middle East.
His Royal Highness said this turn of events directly impacts Malaysia by raising the cost of living for the people.
Hence, Sultan Sharafuddin ordered the state government to prioritise spending on essential needs to help ease the burden faced by the people.
“All forms of wastefulness must be avoided and every cent spent must provide full benefit to the people, especially those adversely affected and in need of assistance.
“My government must remember that the welfare of the people must always be the priority in every planning and implementation of state policies," said Sultan Sharafuddin.
