09/04/2026

THURSDAY | APR 9, 2026

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‘Sufficient fuel supply does not guarantee lower pump prices’

Tighter security at border stations: Fahmi

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

sanctions, withdrawing combat troops from the region and coordinating with Iran’s military to ensure the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan has increasingly acted as a go-between for Tehran and Washington, attempting to defuse tensions and prevent a broader regional conflict. Trump said the decision followed discussions with Shehbaz and Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, who urged him to delay the strike. He added that the suspension is conditional on Iran ensuring the “complete, immediate and safe” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, in turn, said it has agreed to a two-week ceasefire, with talks set to begin Friday in Islamabad. – By Harith Kamal PETALING JAYA: Security at petrol stations along Malaysia’s borders is set to be tightened, with the Cabinet weighing the deployment of police personnel following a string of arrests linked to illicit activities. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the matter was raised by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry during the Cabinet meeting, highlighting vulnerabilities at fuel stations in high-risk border areas. “At the same time, the Cabinet has been informed that following a series of detentions, particularly at petrol stations along the borders, there is a need to strengthen security at several locations,” he said during his weekly media briefing, which was also aired live. Fahmi said this includes placing additional security personnel including police at the locations to tighten control and enhance safety. He added that the move forms part of broader efforts to curb irregular activities and ensure compliance with existing regulations, particularly in sensitive border zones. Separately, Fahmi said the Cabinet has agreed to establish a National Disaster Management Council to improve coordination between federal and state authorities in responding to crises and emergencies. The council will comprise all menteris besar, chief ministers and the Premier of Sarawak as permanent members. He said meetings of the council will be held in conjunction with the Conference of Rulers’ meeting involving menteris besar and chief ministers, ensuring policy alignment and continuity in decision-making. The National Disaster Management Agency has been designated as the council’s secretariat, responsible for coordinating operations and implementing decisions at both federal and state levels.

these efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all peoples in the region. Earlier, US President Donald Trump agreed to pause a planned military strike on Iran for two weeks, after warning that “a whole civilisation will die tonight”if Tehran failed to meet his demands. On Tuesday, just hours before the anticipated attack, Trump announced on his platform Truth Social that he had decided to hold off, saying Pakistan had played a key role in mediating the situation. He added that the pause depended on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran’s 10-point plan, submitted via mediators in Pakistan, calls on Washington to recognise Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and lift all sanctions. The plan also calls for removing both primary and secondary The ripple effect extends beyond fuel. “Energy costs feed into production chains. Higher oil prices, whether due to real scarcity or perceived risk, affect transportation, food, and other goods. Adjustments are gradual but unavoidable,” he added. From a geopolitical angle, International Islamic University Malaysia international relations expert Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Yazid Zul Kepli said Malaysia’s diplomacy was key in securing the vessels’ release. “Malaysia’s role demonstrates effective protection of national shipping, strengthens its image as a constructive regional actor and shows the practical value of maintaining functional relations with all parties, including Iran, during a crisis,” he said. Mohd Yazid added that Malaysia’s neutral but friendly stance with Iran allowed it to negotiate “de escalatory, case-specific solutions” for its vessels, unlike the confrontational approaches taken elsewhere. “By securing safe passage through diplomacy rather than confrontation, Malaysia appears capable of protecting its shipping interests through measured statecraft in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime chokepoints.” He added that the incident could enhance Malaysia’s reputation in global maritime security and open doors for future trade or energy discussions with Iran. “The longer-term impact will depend on whether Malaysia can maintain its neutral posture while retaining confidence among Gulf partners, major energy suppliers and other maritime stakeholders.” Iran’s statement that it “does not forget its friends” reinforces Malaysia’s consistent approach of acting fairly and neutrally, boosting its credibility in regional diplomacy. Ferlito said while some easing in prices may occur if tensions subside, “as long as uncertainty in the region persists, it is reasonable to expect that prices will remain relatively high in the short term, even without physical shortages”.

future disruptions, not only current flows. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint and even temporary tensions could push prices higher. “This uncertainty is priced into oil through risk premiums, regardless of whether specific shipments eventually pass safely,” he said. He also highlighted the role of maritime costs. “Geopolitical tensions increase insurance premiums, freight rates and security costs, all embedded into the final price of oil and refined products. These costs are significant and persist as long as uncertainty remains in the region.” Ferlito stressed that Malaysia operates within an integrated global energy market. “Even with stable domestic supply, prices are influenced by international benchmarks. Local developments – such as the release of Malaysian ships – have very limited impact on global pricing, and consequently on domestic prices.”

o Adequate reserves would not mean cheaper petrol as prices shaped not only by availability but global market conditions, says economist

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Carmelo Ferlito warned that supply stability does not automatically translate into lower consumer prices. “The prime minister’s statement essentially refers to physical availability, not necessarily price stability. Malaysia is unlikely to face shortages or rationing in the short term. “But having adequate supply does not mean domestic fuel prices will fall, because prices are shaped not only by availability but by global market conditions and expectations,” he said. Ferlito explained that oil and petrol prices remain elevated despite the safe passage of Malaysian vessels because the global oil market is forward looking and sensitive to risk. “Prices reflect expectations about

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians may have breathed a sigh of relief after one of seven Malaysian-owned commercial vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz was granted safe passage earlier this week. But experts caution that domestic petrol and oil prices are unlikely to drop immediately. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has assured that Malaysia has sufficient petroleum supply to withstand global energy shocks in the short term, with no immediate risk of disruption at least until June. However, Centre for Market Education CEO and economist

Ferlito said the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint and even temporary tensions could push petrol prices higher. – REUTERSPIC

Anwar backs US-Iran peace plan, calls for broader settlement PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has thrown Malaysia’s full weight behind a potential breakthrough in the US-Iran conflict, hailing a proposed 10-point peace plan as a critical opening to halt a widening crisis and steer the region back from the brink. deception and double-dealing,” he said in a statement. Anwar also underscored the need for the plan to translate into a broader, durable settlement encompassing Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, while calling for an end to the suffering of Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. The Foreign Affairs Ministry also welcomed the ceasefire agreement reached between the US and Iran, describing it as a crucial step toward de-escalating tensions and restoring stability to West Asia.

It urged all parties to fully respect and implement the ceasefire in good faith, avoiding provocative actions or unilateral measures that could undermine fragile stability or global economic and energy security. “This breakthrough demonstrates that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving long-standing conflicts and ensuring long-term regional security.” It added that all parties should use this window of opportunity to continue dialogue towards a durable, comprehensive and peaceful settlement, and called on the international community to support

He commended Pakistan and its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their “tireless and courageous diplomacy” in helping bring about the current opening and reiterated Malaysia’s readiness to support further peace efforts. Anwar further called on the international community to guarantee unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians affected by the conflict. “Let this be a turning point towards lasting peace. The world cannot afford for it to be anything less,” he said.

Welcoming the initiative put forward by Iran and positively received by the United States, Anwar said the proposal could mark a decisive step towards restoring stability not only in the Middle East, but globally. He stressed that any negotiations must be conducted in good faith. “It is earnestly hoped that the negotiation process will be carried out with a firm resolve to achieve a lasting resolution to the issues facing the region. Peace talks cannot succeed if the proceedings are cloaked in