Governor Calls On Penang Govt To Strengthen Resilience Amid Global Tensions

GEORGE TOWN, May 8 (Bernama) -- Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib has urged the state government to take a proactive approach in strengthening the state’s internal capabilities and resilience by prioritising energy efficiency and food security in the face of ongoing tensions in West Asia.

His Excellency said that the state government must not remain a mere observer, but instead ensure disciplined and forward-looking fiscal management to navigate the ripple effects of geopolitical tensions on global market stability, particularly in the energy sector and supply chains.

Tun Ramli also called on all Penang assemblymen to uphold factual, prudent and constructive communication.

“In this climate of uncertainty, any statement that is speculative or not based on facts will only create unnecessary anxiety among the people.

“We must remind ourselves that irresponsible remarks can have negative consequences,” he said in his address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly today, which was also attended by his wife, Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.

Tun Ramli also noted that Malaysia, as an open economy, is not immune to the impact of developments in the West Asian region.

In fact, he said, Malaysia remains significantly dependent on the region, accounting for about 61 per cent of oil imports, 30 per cent of liquefied natural gas imports and nearly 40 per cent of crude oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, in addition to critical materials such as fertiliser, helium and sulphur.

“Despite these challenges, the country’s economic fundamentals remain strong and resilient due to the positive and decisive measures undertaken by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.

Citing official data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Tun Ramli said Malaysia’s gross domestic product growth for 2026 is projected at between 4.0 and 5.0 per cent, while inflation is expected to remain moderate at around 1.5 to 2.5 per cent, below the long-term average.

Therefore, the Governor said he is confident that the Federal Government would continue monitoring developments prudently and implement appropriate measures to safeguard public welfare, ensure stable supplies of essentials and sustain economic growth.

-- BERNAMA