15/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 15, 2026

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Unite for uncertain times and prolonged crisis: Sultan Nazrin IPOH: The people and the government must unite to confront mounting economic and energy challenges arising from the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia, said the Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah. He warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is not merely a political or military manoeuvre but one with far-reaching implications for global stability, regional security, economic resilience and humanitarian sentiment. In light of these risks, Sultan Nazrin called for comprehensive national preparedness, both physically and mentally, to face the possibility of a prolonged global crisis. He emphasised that unity between the government and the people is essential in navigating what could be a difficult and uncertain period. “The strength of the domestic economy must be reinforced, food security safeguarded, financial stability maintained, and national unity preserved so that the country is not easily swayed by sentiment or speculation. “Beyond government-led initiatives, citizens also share responsibility in easing the burden by adopting prudent spending habits, practising thrift, and helping to reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing government subsidies,” said the Sultan. Sultan Nazrin was delivering the Royal Address at the opening of the fourth year of the 15th state legislative assembly at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here, yesterday. He further stressed the importance of a clear and effective communication strategy to help the public understand the causes, scale, and real-life impact of the crisis in simple and accessible terms, adding that the current situation is not the time for any party to fish in troubled waters or exploit the situation for narrow political purposes. “The government and opposition alike, along with community leaders and the private sector, must find common ground and work collaboratively. All must demonstrate unity and work together in addressing the looming economic challenges.” Sultan Nazrin also described the crisis as a “warning bell” for Malaysia to accelerate long-term structural reforms, particularly in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.. He added that investment in renewable energy is no longer optional, but a strategic imperative. – Bernama

Biodiesel fast-tracked to cushion energy shocks

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Govt to raise blending rates as ready-to deploy fuel leverages existing capacity and infrastructure: Minister

adequate only until end-May, with preparations already underway for June and beyond.” Targeted diesel assistance has been enhanced to ease the burden on vulnerable groups. Incentives for padi farmers have been raised to RM300 per ha per season, while cash assistance for farmers, smallholders and eligible diesel vehicle owners has been increased to RM400 per month. Enforcement will also be intensified to curb leakages, hoarding and smuggling of controlled fuel. Akmal said the crisis underscored the urgency for Malaysia to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and accelerate its transition to renewable energy. “This is to build long-term resilience as this crisis could last up to 18 months.” – By Harith Kamal services sectors, without requiring the development of a new energy ecosystem. “This means the government does not need to wait before taking action. The current situation shows that the country is in a position to accelerate implementation.” He added that Malaysia already has significant unused capacity within its biodiesel industry. In 2025, production stood at 975,207mt, compared with a total installed capacity of 2.36 million mt. “This indicates that the industrial base, supply chain and blending capabilities are already in place and only need to be strengthened in a structured manner to maximise benefits,” he said. Akmal said as part of the next phase, the government has agreed to increase the biodiesel blending rate from B10 to B15, beginning with a transition to B12. The move, he said, will not involve additional costs and will utilise existing blending infrastructure. He added that higher biodiesel usage is expected to help extend Malaysia’s diesel supply, supported by a broader biofuel mitigation strategy. This includes phased upgrades to B20 and B30 depot infrastructure under the 13th Malaysia Plan, as well as preparations for a future B30 mandate for the commercial and public transport sectors. Akmal said the government will also engage with the Oil Industry Technical Committee (OITC) to ensure smooth implementation and industry alignment. Last week, Felda chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said B100 could emerge as a more competitive and sustainable alternative energy source, particularly given uncertainties arising from the Middle East conflict. He said the rollout would begin within the Felda ecosystem and that a government policy framework was needed as current crude palm oil supplies may not be sufficient for immediate implementation.

PETALING JAYA: Biodiesel will be fast-tracked as Malaysia’s most immediate and practical alternative fuel, with the government moving to raise blending rates in an effort to cushion the impact of global energy volatility. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) has agreed in principle that biodiesel is the most ready-to deploy option in the near term, given its compatibility with existing

alternative energy source that can help reduce dependence on increasingly uncertain fossil fuel supplies,” he said during a briefing on the global energy crisis. Akmal said biodiesel’s key advantage lies in its immediate usability, particularly across the transport, logistics, agriculture and

systems and strong domestic production capacity. He said Putrajaya is prioritising solutions that can be implemented quickly, deliver direct impact and make full use of existing infrastructure. “Biodiesel meets these requirements because it is an

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TAKRAW TALK ... Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim engages with students during a visit to the facilities and courts at the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Academy after officiating its complex in Kampung Bharu yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

‘Disciplined approach needed to manage rising costs’ PETALING JAYA: Malaysia must brace for a prolonged period of elevated fuel prices as global energy risks intensify, signalling a “new normal” that could reshape costs, consumption and economic stability. the crisis,” he said at a briefing on the global energy situation yesterday. we see cost pressures, but the impact on jobs and incomes may only emerge weeks or months later.” Early signs of strain have begun to surface across sectors. with sufficient stock of key items such as rice, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fish, milk and fruits.

Akmal said the government’s immediate priority is to safeguard the supply of essential goods, manage consumption prudently, contain inflationary pressures within fiscal limits and strengthen long-term economic resilience. He said the challenge goes beyond fuel prices, extending to broader cost of living pressures, supply chain stability and national economic security. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, he added, has disrupted global energy flows, with early spillover effects already being felt domestically. He cautioned that the full economic impact would not be immediate. “This crisis has a lag effect. Today

However, cost pressures are building at the production level, particularly from key inputs such as diesel, fertiliser and animal feed, which account for about 40% of agricultural costs. “Fertiliser prices could increase by up to 20%, while animal feed costs may rise by around 8%, raising the risk of higher consumer prices if not managed early. “In response, the government is taking a proactive approach, managing both supply and demand while rolling out targeted support measures. “This includes strengthening energy supply planning, with current stock levels expected to remain

“While land and sea transport activities remain stable, the aviation and tourism sectors have begun to feel the impact, with 55 weekly flights involving six airlines cancelled between March 23 and 28,”said Akmal. Tourist arrivals have also weakened, with passenger numbers from West Asia projected to decline by 1.5 million this year. To track developments, he said the government is monitoring 107 economic indicators, including 61 high-frequency indicators, on a real time basis. At the same time, he assured that essential food supplies remain stable,

Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said expectations of a return to pre-crisis oil prices were no longer realistic, with geopolitical tensions continuing to unsettle global energy markets. He stressed that while Malaysia’s economic fundamentals remain intact, rising external pressures demand a calibrated and disciplined response. “The message is clear. We cannot be too comfortable, but neither should we be overly alarmed. We must adapt to a new normal where oil prices are likely to remain higher than before