06/03/2026

FRIDAY | MAR 6, 2026

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Food security stable despite Middle East conflict

Nod likely in June for Bill on PM tenure PUTRAJAYA: The government is confident that the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 to limit the prime minister’s term to 10 years will be passed by Parliament in the next session, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said the confidence is based on the support of the majority of MPs for the proposed reform, although the Bill did not receive the backing of two-thirds of MPs in Parliament last Monday. Fadillah, who is also the chief government whip, said most MPs who were absent during the voting process expressed support for the Bill. “Two MPs have sent official letters explaining the reason for their absence, while several others have also done so verbally. “Some are stranded abroad due to the lack of flights. Except Bukit Gantang (Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal), who said he did not agree, the others all supported it. It was just a coincidence that the situation at the time prevented them from attending.” Fadillah was speaking after breaking fast with staff of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry on Wednesday. Madani government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the Bill would be tabled again in the Dewan Rakyat session in June after it was agreed at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Wednesday. Fadillah said the move to limit the prime minister’s term in office showed the commitment of the Madani government under Anwar’s leadership to reform the country’s administrative system. He also stressed that the proposed amendment does not affect the power of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the institution of the Malay Rulers. The bloc vote on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2026 saw 146 MPs agreeing while 32 were absent and 44 did not vote. The amendment requires the support of at least two-thirds of the total MPs, which is 148, to be passed. – Bernama Report to embassies, M’sians in gulf told IPOH: Malaysians, including students, in conflict affected areas in the Middle East have been advised to immediately report to the Malaysian embassies in the respective countries to ensure their continued safety. Higher Education Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said affected Malaysians must follow the emergency plans and procedures activated by Malaysian missions abroad. “I believe our missions and embassies in Iran and neighbouring countries affected by the conflict are prepared with emergency plans. “I hope Malaysians who are stranded will follow all instructions and report themselves as soon as possible.” He was speaking after officiating at the Apple Education Classroom at Ungku Omar Polytechnic on Wednesday. He said the government always prioritises the safety of its citizens in conflict areas. “Alhamdulillah , our embassies have always found ways and taken measures to ensure that the safety of Malaysians abroad remains protected, wherever conflicts occur. “I understand that with the current airspace disruptions and related issues, there will be difficulties.” On the concerns of parents of students, Adam Adli advised them to stay in contact with the Foreign Ministry as well as relevant authorities to obtain the latest information. He said Malaysia would usually be given priority due to the strong diplomatic ties and cooperation established with the countries involved. – Bernama

o Main food imports from India, Pakistan, Asean nations, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina, says minister

transportation via the Strait of Hormuz affected, oil prices could increase even higher if the conflict continues. Earlier, Anwar attended a high-level management meeting at the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry to discuss its strategic direction and key agenda as well as to provide guidance on advancing the country’s agri food sector. Topics discussed included governance and administration of the agri-food sector as well as infrastructure development to support a five-season padi planting programme over two years. Also discussed were amendments to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004, Malaysia’s potential participation in the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, the implementation of Agro Madani sales and preparations for the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro Tourism Exhibition 2026 with the theme “Creating Value for Food Security”. Anwar also attended a Ramadan Tazkirah session delivered by Federal Territories Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Ali @ Fadzil and performed Zohor prayers with ministry staff.

He was speaking after the Ramadan Ihya’ event with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Wisma Tani yesterday. However, he added that prolonged geopolitical tensions could have indirect effects, particularly on oil prices, transportation costs and the prices of imported goods. “If this conflict continues and oil prices rise, it could affect transportation costs and subsequently the prices of imported items.” Mohamad said Malaysia maintains strong export links, especially with the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries. He also said fertiliser supplies remain stable as Malaysia sources them from countries not involved in the conflict. Addressing concerns over potential price increases due to possible higher oil costs, Mohamad highlighted the ministry’s contingency measures. “We have buffer stocks of rice that can cover supply for five months, and with stocks from shops, it is enough for seven months. “Other crisis management measures are also on standby. We are prepared to act if necessary.” Analysts have predicted that with

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s food security remains largely stable for now despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, said Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. Asked about the effect of the conflict on food supply, he said the countries involved are not major sources of Malaysia’s food imports. “Our main food imports are from India, Pakistan, Asean nations, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina. So far, our food security has not been affected.”

Anwar with Mohamad at the Ihya’ Ramadan event in Putrajaya yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

Govt keeping tabs on cost-push inflation

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

allows the government to maintain fuel prices at reasonable levels for the people even amid global crude price fluctuations. “The Finance Ministry continues to review subsidy allocations and fiscal implications to ensure national financial stability. “Historically, when crude prices exceed certain levels, revenue for national oil companies like Petronas rises. At the same time, government subsidy burdens could also increase,” said Akmal. He stressed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is committed to ensuring that any domestic policy decision is made cautiously and based on data. “Current market developments do not indicate that the government will make any drastic policy changes, including the pricing of RON95 petrol. “Any impact from the ongoing conflict will continue to be monitored before any decision is made.”

He was replying to Senator Tiew Way Keng, who asked about Malaysia’s dependence on Middle Eastern markets and potential domestic economic effects. Mohd Shahar said the country’s inflation remains under control, adding that the government continues to prioritise the wellbeing of the people. Earlier, Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the government does not plan to make drastic changes to current policies, particularly regarding the subsidised price of RON95, despite global oil markets facing uncertainty due to international conflicts. He said conflicts often trigger sudden surges in Brent crude oil prices but the government, through relevant ministries, continuously monitors key indicators such as petroleum and gas prices to maintain domestic market stability. “The current targeted subsidy mechanism

PETALING JAYA: The government is assessing the risk of cost-push inflation amid rising oil and fuel prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, said Economy Deputy Minister Datuk Mohd Shahar Abdullah. He added that tensions in the region, particularly given the fact that Iran is a major oil producer, could push energy costs higher and raise global trade expenses. “Conflicts in the Middle East can increase fuel prices. Since imports and exports rely heavily on logistics, higher fuel costs may lead to overall price increases, or what we call cost-push inflation. “The government is monitoring the situation and verifying information from multiple sources to gauge whether the impact could widen,” Mohd Shahar said in the Dewan Negara yesterday.