02/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 2, 2026

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Unsubsidised diesel rises to RM6.02

challenging times.” Customers financial difficulties are urged to engage their respective banks early to discuss available options, with support assessed on a case-by-case basis for those with genuine needs. “Assistance may include repayment restructuring and other tailored financial solutions aimed at helping customers manage short term financial pressures while maintaining long-term financial stability.” The banking industry also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with customers and stakeholders to ensure continued access to financial support, in line with Malaysia’s broader goals of economic stability and resilience. facing

energy crisis and its wider market implications. The Madani government said it would continue to carefully balance fiscal discipline with public protection to preserve economic stability and safeguard livelihoods during this period of heightened uncertainty. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s banking sector remains on firm footing and ready to cushion customers against mounting financial strain triggered by global uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East, the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) said. In a separate statement, ABM acknowledged that external developments could weigh on households and businesses, but assured that banks stand ready to extend appropriate assistance to those affected. “Our priority is to ensure customers feel supported and have access to suitable assistance during PUTRAJAYA: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will carry out four series of cloud seeding operations in Perak, Kedah, Perlis and Johor, from April 6 to April 9, as a proactive measure to increase water levels in dams affected by prolonged hot weather. Deputy Prime Minister and Central Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the operations are being implemented following the hot weather phenomenon, currently affecting several areas, due to the monsoon transition, which began on March 29, and is expected to continue until May. “Although the period brings the formation of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in the western parts of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, several areas remain at high risk of experiencing Level One and Level Two heatwaves, with temperatures reaching between 35°C and 40°C . “These conditions have not significantly helped to increase dam water levels, thereby affecting water resources and the agricultural sector, and also impacting the daily lives of the (public), particularly vulnerable groups in rural and interior areas,” he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the cloud seeding operations would be carried out in collaboration with the Air Force, which would provide C-130 Hercules aircraft, while the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) would coordinate the technical and scientific aspects of the operations. He said the operations would focus on 11 dams: the Timah Tasoh dam in Perlis; Ahning, Pedu and Muda dams in Kedah; Temenggor and Bukit Merah dams in Perak; and the Lebam, Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Gunung Pulai and Machap dams in Johor. “This is a proactive effort to restore water levels affected by prolonged hot weather.

and Labuan, RM2.05 under SKPS (subsidised petrol) and RM2.15 under SKDS (subsidised diesel) “Since the West Asia crisis erupted, the government has not fully floated retail pump prices and has continued absorbing part of the subsidy cost for petrol and diesel for three consecutive weeks. “Efforts to maintain subsidised petroleum prices for the public and selected sectors will continue to be strengthened to curb rising goods prices and protect public wellbeing.” As an interim measure following the diesel price increase, the government said it would maintain the additional RM100 Budi diesel cash aid in April, bringing total assistance to RM300 for ‘Budi Individu’ and ‘Budi Agri-Komoditi’ recipients. It added that medium and long term measures are being considered to ensure the subsidy mechanism remains sustainable, transparent and beneficial amid the ongoing global

unsubsidised diesel in Peninsular Malaysia will jump 50 sen to RM6.02 per litre from RM5.52, while RON97 will ease by 20 sen to RM4.95 per litre from RM5.15. In a statement yesterday, the Finance Ministry said the revision reflects sustained pressure in global energy markets, particularly crude oil and refined fuel benchmarks. “The prolonged global energy crisis has driven Brent crude prices up by more than 40%, exceeding US$100 per barrel. “More critically, the prices of refined petrol and diesel have surged to US$150 and US$250 per barrel respectively, placing upward pressure on retail prices,” the ministry said in a statement. Despite the latest market-linked adjustment, Putrajaya said subsidised rates for targeted groups would remain unchanged, including RM1.99 per litre for RON95 under Budi95, RM2.15 for diesel in Sabah, Sarawak

PETALING JAYA: The government is pulling out all stops to shield Malaysians from the shock of surging global oil prices, even as diesel prices rocket past the RM6 mark this week, piling fresh pressure on consumers and businesses. Subsidies are being ramped up, controls tightened and targeted aid rolled out as energy markets grow increasingly volatile. From today until April 8, Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN AND QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com o Govt moving mountains to shield Malaysians from surging global prices

ABM emphasised that early engagement remains critical, urging customers to promptly reach out to their banks to explore available assistance. Nadma to carry out cloud seeding operations in four states

Ahmad Zahid said as part of disaster preparedness measures, the comittee has also been instructed to ensure that the State Disaster Command Centre (SDCC) is activated and strengthened, to ensure that decisions made are based on technical information and data-driven analysis. He added that all relevant agencies must channel information to the SDCC for coordination and recording, including data on dam water levels, raw water supply, soil moisture levels in critical areas, landslide-prone zones, flood-prone areas and other related information. “The comittee must act early, by identifying the needs of the (public), as well as the agricultural and commercial sectors, such as delivering emergency water supplies via tanker lorries to areas experiencing critical water disruptions, and submitting requests for the implementation of cloud seeding operations to more effectively increase dam water levels. “The comittee must also identify the best methods as part of a medium-term strategy, including identifying alternative water catchment areas during the rainy season, for use during periods of hot weather,” he said. He added that Nadma needs to conduct a comprehensive assessment, based on findings from the comittee and the SDCC, to develop a long-term mitigation plan and identify the best solutions for managing disasters in the future. He also said all government agencies must intensify efforts to ensure that their respective target groups are not adversely affected, particularly in sectors such as food supply, agriculture, public health, education, entrepreneurship, livestock and others expected to be impacted. He also urged the public to use water prudently and to always comply with the authorities’ instructions. – Bernama

‘Hormuz tensions test for energy resilience’ PUTRAJAYA: The closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Iran conflict should be viewed as a test of Malaysia’s energy resilience and an opportunity to accelerate reforms, rather than a cause for public alarm, energy experts say. fuel efficiency. She added that the use of artificial intelligence in logistics and Intelligent Traffic Systems could reduce fuel wastage and enhance supply chain efficiency. investment in renewable energy. Norasikin said clear and consistent public communication is vital for managing any energy crisis and maintaining public confidence, Malaysians flocked to fuel up their vehicles under the original 300 litre Budi 95 fuel subsidy quota before the government imposed a revised 200 litre quota yesterday in light of the US-Iran conflict. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

adding that the government should also prepare contingency plans for priority-based fuel distribution in the event of supply disruptions. “In facing these challenges, calm, discipline and unity are essential to ensure national stability. “Transparent communication is key to preventing panic and unnecessary hoarding that could worsen the situation.” Meanwhile, International Islamic University Malaysia Political Science and Civil Studies Department lecturer Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi said the evolving global geopolitical landscape requires Malaysia to shift from passive neutrality to “active neutrality”, a more proactive diplomatic stance to safeguard trade and energy interests. “Active neutrality means Malaysia must play a more strategic and proactive role in international diplomacy, strengthening ties with multiple trading partners and regional powers without over-reliance on any single bloc.” – Bernama

She also said financial strategies, such as hedging against oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, are also crucial for mitigating price shocks that could affect the country’s fiscal position. Norasikin emphasised the need to accelerate the development of domestic energy resources and strengthen regional energy integration over the medium term to reduce dependence on imports. She said key measures include expanding the Asean power grid, increasing the adoption of B30 and B40 biodiesel, and diversifying LNG import sources to countries such as Australia and Papua New Guinea. She also highlighted that investments in emerging technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors, green hydrogen and the electric vehicle battery ecosystem, would be vital to ensuring long-term energy stability and sustainability. She called for electricity market reforms, including the adoption of cost-reflective tariffs, to attract greater

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Solar Energy Research Institute director Prof Dr Norasikin Ahmad Ludin said the situation underscores that energy security is no longer solely about fuel prices, but also about ensuring a continuous supply amid global geopolitical uncertainties. “The ability to purchase fuel without a guaranteed supply could lead to black markets, disruption of public services and most critically, a crisis of public trust in the government.” She emphasised that Malaysia’s energy security strategy must be implemented in phases, covering short, medium and long-term measures to strengthen the national energy system. She said in the short term, the government should prioritise stabilising the domestic energy system, including extending the operation of high-efficiency coal plants as a backup source and optimising technology to improve