22/06/2026

MONDAY | JUNE 22, 2026

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Recent visits abroad by PM boost energy security

o Engagements with Russia, Turkmenistan underscore ability to maintain constructive relationships across major global blocs, says BRICS International Malaysia

constructively to an increasingly multipolar global order. “Energy security remains a critical pillar of national resilience. A robust long-term cooperation framework with Russia, complemented by deeper upstream energy collaboration with Turkmenistan, can support Malaysia’s long-term economic objectives while creating opportunities for Malaysian companies across trading, refining, logistics, technology, training, infrastructure and investment sectors.” Jaziri Alkaf emphasised that any future arrangement should be underpinned by rigorous due diligence, transparent governance, strong commercial safeguards, financial viability and full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. He said these developments could provide a strong foundation for expanded cooperation not only in oil and gas but also in energy transition, technology, food security, the halal industry, Islamic finance, industrial development, the digital economy, education and regional connectivity. “We encourage policymakers, businesses and stakeholders to build upon this momentum in a strategic and responsible manner to strengthen Malaysia’s long-term resilience and economic competitiveness.”

KUALA BRICS International Malaysia welcomes the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan, particularly in advancing Malaysia’s long-term energy security, enhancing oil and gas cooperation and strengthening strategic economic partnerships. Its chairman Jaziri Alkaf Abdillah Sufian said Anwar’s engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov underscore Malaysia’s ability to maintain constructive relationships across major global blocs while advancing its sovereign economic priorities. “The assurance from Russia to support Malaysia’s long-term oil, gas and diesel supply requirements represents a positive and timely development,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said the strategic partnership involving Petronas and Turkmenistan represents an important milestone in Malaysia-Turkmenistan relations, LUMPUR:

building upon more than three decades of cooperation in the oil and gas industry. Petronas’ continued presence in Turkmenistan reflects Malaysia’s established expertise in upstream energy operations, technology transfer, talent development and responsible resource management. He said the engagements with Russia and Turkmenistan demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to a diversified energy diplomacy strategy – one that enhances supply security, creates new commercial opportunities and positions Malaysia as a credible bridge between Asean, Central Asia, Eurasia and the broader Global South. Jaziri Alkaf said these developments are consistent with Malaysia’s independent, pragmatic and non-aligned foreign policy, Bernama reported. He said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation, increasing economic flexibility and contributing

WITH LOVE AND GRATITUDE ... His Majesty the King of Malaysia Sultan Ibrahim with a bouquet of flowers presented by Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia Raja Zarith Sofiah as well as his children and grandchildren in conjunction with Father’s Day. – PIC COURTESY OF SULTAN IBRAHIM SULTAN ISKANDAR FACEBOOK PAGE

‘Success of Petronas reflects capabilities of nation’ KUALA LUMPUR: The success of Petronas in expanding its role in Turkmenistan’s energy sector opens access to some of the world’s largest gas reserves, thus strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global energy landscape, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. cooperation with Turkmenistan, including collaborations with state concern in a statement yesterday. Azmi said the latest energy agreements, which also extend to Russia through a cooperation between Petronas and Rosneft, underscore both Malaysia’s strong diplomatic relations with the two countries and Petronas’ long-established reputation as a trusted global energy player.

Subsidised diesel to cost less next month

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Turkmennebit and state enterprise Hazarnebit, to enhance its presence in the Caspian Sea and expand its upstream portfolio in the country. Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said while government-to-government ties play an important role in facilitating the agreements, Petronas’ credibility and track record were equally crucial in securing opportunities in the global oil and gas industry. “Securing opportunities in a foreign country’s upstream sector is never a small feat, especially in a highly strategic and competitive industry like oil and gas,“ the geostrategist said

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will pay less for subsidised diesel from next month when the government cuts its price to RM2.10 per litre nationwide while stopping leakages and tightening eligibility controls. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the move in Bintulu, saying that a new MyKad-based targeting system, mirroring the existing Budi Madani RON95 framework, would ensure that only eligible citizens benefit from the subsidy while non citizens and ineligible users pay market rate. The reform would establish a single diesel price nationwide, including in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, ending longstanding regional disparities, said the Finance Ministry in a statement. It said subsidised diesel currently costs RM2.15 per litre in East Malaysia, against a market price of RM4.37 per litre in Peninsular Malaysia. “With the reform, eligible Malaysians in Sabah and Sarawak will see the subsidised price reduced from RM2.15 to RM2.10 per litre while the system is fully standardised nationwide.” It said the wide gap between subsidised and market prices had fuelled diesel leakages and cross-border smuggling. The policy shift also comes amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia which continue to pressure global oil prices. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will announce further implementation details today.

He said in a post on X yesterday that the development reflects high confidence in Malaysia’s capabilities as well as Petronas’ excellent track record of operating in Turkmenistan for three decades. On Saturday, Petronas, through its wholly owned subsidiary Petronas Carigali (Turkmenistan) Sdn Bhd, signed several new agreements to strengthen long-term strategic

“These partnerships did not emerge overnight. They were built on years of diplomatic engagement, commercial trust and mutual confidence. They demonstrate how strong international relationships backed by a world-class national oil company can open doors for Malaysia on the global energy stage.” – Bernama

Peacekeeping force in Lebanon not at border area: Minister KOTA TINGGI: Malaysian Battalion 850-13, which is deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, is operating from a central base that provides a security advantage as it is located away from the border area, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. involved in any ground fighting in the event of unrest along the Lebanon-Israel border. He added that area near the border line is controlled by peacekeeping forces from other countries, including France and Indonesia. Bangladesh prime minister on first official trip to Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will undertake an official visit to Malaysia today to further strengthen the close bilateral relations between the two countries and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will mark Tarique’s first bilateral official visit abroad since assuming office in February 2026. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Rahman would be accorded an official He said the tactical positioning directly reduces the risk of Malaysian forces being “We do have an area that we are guarding. Our advantage is that we are not on the Lebanese and Israeli borders but are positioned in the middle. So we are safe should any ground

battle occur,” he said after attending a free fuel programme at BHPetrol Felda Air Tawar 2 yesterday. Mohamed Khaled said national forces must not be complacent as the current threat has now shifted to aerial attacks. He said the risk of attacks involving air assets such as drones and fighter jets still exists, regardless of the forces’ positioning. – Bernama

welcoming ceremony followed by a bilateral meeting with Anwar at the Perdana Putra Complex. Both leaders are expected to explore opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in key sectors. – Bernama