22/04/2026

WEDNESDAY | APR 22, 2026

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West Asia war and the toll on Asean A S Iran demands the reopening of ports closed by the US blockade of the Straits of Hormuz, transport costs skyrocket, hitting the garment and tourism sectors. While monthly government subsidies offer some relief, consumer prices remain high. H E R A long-term war threatens to drag Asean growth to its lowest levels since 2022. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

global stakeholders are increasingly alarmed by the war’s expanding shadow. The blockade, aimed at forcing Tehran into a peace agreement on American terms, has instead triggered elevated energy prices and structural economic shocks. The United Nations warns of a global “stagflation” risk that could push over 30 million people into poverty. Developing nations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia are bearing the brunt of these soaring food and fuel costs. Asean under pressure: A country-by country impact Despite being one of the world’s most dynamic economic zones, the Asean region is struggling to absorb the shock. 0 The Philippines: Perhaps the hardest hit, the Philippines relies on the Gulf for 98% of its oil. With reserves estimated at only 45 days, it declared a national emergency on March 24. Beyond transport and manufacturing disruptions, the crisis threatens the 2.5 million Filipino workers in the Gulf, whose US$15 billion (RM59.3 billion) in annual remittances support millions of households. 0 Vietnam: Facing a 20-day reserve – the region’s lowest – Vietnam has suspended fuel exports to protect its industrial and transport sectors. Inflation is projected to climb from 2.5% to over 5% if the conflict becomes protracted. 0 Thailand: The economic momentum expected under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has stalled. The government has banned jet fuel exports and shifted civil servants to remote work. Foreign investors, spooked by the “bearish” war outlook, sold off Thai equities and bonds in March since 2024. 0 Cambodia: Entirely dependent on oil imports, Cambodia has seen A N O T B Y L I M AS a healthcare counsellor, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse ages, backgrounds and life experiences. Many present themselves as composed, functional and even outwardly successful. Yet, over time, I have come to recognise a recurring and deeply important truth: mental health struggles are often invisible and silence is far more prevalent than we tend to acknowledge. One of the most striking patterns I have observed is the hesitation that precedes honesty. Many individuals pause before speaking, not because they lack the words, but because they question whether their experiences are “valid enough” to be voiced. Beneath this hesitation often lies a quiet but powerful fear – the fear of being judged, dismissed or misunderstood. For many, the greatest challenge is not the issue itself but the vulnerability required to admit that

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0 Myanmar: The junta has implemented fuel rationing – alternative driving days – and is pivoting away from Iranian oil towards imports from Russia and China to mitigate E

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the crisis. 0 Indonesia: Once an Opec member, Indonesia is now a net oil importer. With domestic production covering less than 40% of consumption, the government is struggling to maintain fuel subsidies, placing immense pressure on the national budget. 0 Laos: This landlocked nation faces a severe crisis, with inflation hitting 9.7% in March. Mitigation measures include a desperate three-day school week to curb fuel use. 0 Timor-Leste: While the poor suffer from cost-push inflation, the country’s US$18 billion Petroleum Fund provides a fiscal cushion that its larger neighbours lack. 0 Singapore and Brunei: The two most developed Asean members, though experiencing higher fuel prices, are benefitting from the war; the former from its position as a safe haven asset hub and the latter from increased oil and gas revenue. 0 Malaysia: Despite being a net exporter of oil and gas, Malaysia imports 70% of its crude from the Gulf. For now, the nation faces increased subsidy costs, reduced fuel quotas and supply chain disruptions. If the war continues beyond three to six months and oil prices surpass US$110/barrel, it could lead to significant fiscal deficits and reduced economic growth. Risks of prolonged conflict 0 Economic stress: The end of the export model? A long-term war threatens to drag Asean growth to its lowest levels since 2022. Fitch Ratings warns that oil could spike to US$128 per barrel, creating high credit risks for sovereign debt. something does not feel right. I have encountered individuals who are perceived by others as dependable, capable and high-achieving. They meet expectations, fulfil responsibilities and maintain relationships with remarkable consistency. Yet, behind this outward stability, some quietly navigate overwhelming anxiety, emotional fatigue or a persistent sense of emptiness. This contrast between external functioning and internal struggle is more common than we may assume and it is precisely why so many individuals remain unnoticed and unsupported. There is a widespread misconception that mental health struggles are always accompanied by visible distress. In reality, distress is often concealed beneath routines and responsibilities. Some of the most overwhelmed individuals continue to perform at a

the region’s export driven sectors. In contrast, China continues to offer a stable economic alternative as the region’s largest trading partner. Beyond economics, the Iran conflict has inflicted deep “reputational damage”. Not only in Muslim-majority nations like Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia but throughout the region, the US is perceived as applying international law with a double standard. As trust erodes, the geopolitical stature and moral authority of the US as a “rules-based” leader may be diminishing beyond redemption. This is because this crisis of principles and trust is likely to continue even if a peace agreement can be negotiated and honoured. Lim Teck Ghee’s Another Take is aimed at demystifying social orthodoxy. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com everyday life, in small struggles, unspoken worries and quiet internal conflicts that rarely receive attention. By broadening our understanding of mental health beyond extreme cases, we can begin to cultivate more compassionate and supportive environments in our daily interactions. As a society, there is an opportunity and a responsibility to foster spaces where conversations about mental health feel safe, normal and free from judgement. This can begin in simple ways: through attentive listening, open dialogue and a willingness to acknowledge that everyone, at some point, may face internal challenges that are not immediately visible. Because sometimes, the strongest thing a person can do is speak. And just as importantly, the most meaningful thing we can offer in return is our willingness to truly listen. Eshalni Nair Raveendran Nair is a healthcare counsellor and a psychology graduate specialising in mental health counselling. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

leaders identify US global leadership as their primary geopolitical worry – surpassing concerns over China’s actions in the South China Sea. Lack of consultation: There is palpable regional “fury” that Washington initiated strikes without consulting Asian allies, despite those allies being the most vulnerable to the resulting energy disruptions. Diminished moral authority Between the “tariff war” and the “Iran war”, US standing in Asia is possibly at its lowest ebb ever. The trade war initially targeted at China has resulted in market disruption, supply chain uncertainty and high compliance costs. Tariffs on Asean member countries have risen to 19% to 40%, with Singapore the sole exception at 10%. This has created a climate of uncertainty and heavily pressured been entirely dismantled. Cultural and societal expectations still, in many cases, emphasise endurance, emotional restraint and the ability to persevere without complaint. While resilience is undoubtedly a valuable trait, it should not come at the expense of one’s psychological well-being. Strength should not be defined solely by how much one can endure in silence. One of the most meaningful lessons I have learned through my work is that people are not always seeking solutions; they are seeking understanding. The opportunity to be genuinely heard, without interruption, judgement or the immediate impulse to “fix” their situation, can be profoundly impactful. Being listened to with presence and empathy can validate experiences that individuals may have long dismissed or suppressed. It creates a space where they can begin to make sense of their own thoughts and emotions. It is also important to recognise that mental health does not exist only within moments of crisis. It is woven into

Beyond immediate costs, rerouted shipping lines are fragmenting regional production networks and severing ties with global markets. Since the war began, regional markets have collectively lost over US$216.9 billion in value. 0 Geopolitical strains: Neutrality under fire The conflict is exposing fractures within Asean’s core principle of neutrality: Internal divisions: While the bloc calls for de-escalation, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei have condemned the strikes. Singapore, conversely, with its close relations and security relationship with the US and Israel, has maintained what it has argued is a neutral stance, refusing to negotiate with Tehran. The pivot of concern: For the first time, 51.9% of Southeast Asian opinion high level, fulfilling obligations while carrying an internal burden that is neither visible nor easily articulated. This invisibility can make it even more difficult for others, and sometimes even for the individuals themselves, to recognise when support is needed. Another recurring theme is the normalisation of exhaustion. It is not uncommon to hear phrases such as “I’m just tired” or “It’s just stress” used as a way to minimise or rationalise deeper emotional strain. Over time, this pattern can blur the distinction between manageable daily pressures and more serious concerns such as burnout, chronic stress or emotional depletion. When a constant state of busyness becomes the norm, genuine rest can begin to feel unfamiliar and even uncomfortable. Within the Malaysian context, conversations surrounding mental health have gradually become more open and visible in recent years. This shift is encouraging and it reflects growing awareness and advocacy. However, stigma has not

Spotting mental health issues in individuals

COMMENT by Eshalni Nair Raveendran Nair