Govt Views Impact Of Global Energy Crisis On SMEs, Health Industry Seriously -- Akmal Nasrullah

KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- The government is taking the impact of the global energy crisis on various industry players, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the healthcare sector, seriously, said Minister of Economy Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

He said industries are now facing cost pressures and supply continuity challenges resulting from the energy crisis.

Akmal Nasrullah said the government’s priority is not merely to ease short-term pressures but to extend the durability of existing supplies and to carry out a responsible structural transformation of the economy.

“All of this must be done with regard to the country’s fiscal position, which is currently bearing high fuel subsidies. The government’s objective is clear — to reduce the burden on industry, protect end consumers and ensure Malaysia’s economy remains resilient,” he said in a statement.

Earlier today, Akmal Nasrullah, together with the Prime Minister’s Policy Advisory Committee (PMAC), held an engagement session with industries affected by the global energy crisis, focusing on MSMEs and the healthcare industry.

The session was attended by SME Corp Malaysia, the Federation of Malay Stallholders and Small Traders Associations of Malaysia (GPPPKMM), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA), the SME Association of Malaysia, and representatives from the healthcare industry such as the Medical Device Manufacturers Association of Malaysia (PERANTIM), the Malaysian Association of Pharmaceutical Suppliers (MAPS), the Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA), and the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI).

The session provided an opportunity for industry players to discuss the impact of the global energy crisis on business operations, including rising input costs, supply chain pressures, and the challenges of maintaining competitiveness and operational continuity.

Akmal Nasrullah said the health industry had expressed concerns about rising costs that could affect the supply chain of essential health products and services.

“The government takes this matter seriously, particularly the impact on MSMEs, which are more vulnerable to cost shocks and supply disruptions.

“Accordingly, the approaches under consideration are intended not only to address current pressures, but also to extend the durability of existing supplies and strengthen the country’s economic capacity to withstand external shocks in a more structured and sustainable way,” he said.

Meanwhile, Akmal Nasrullah said the government must act prudently when formulating the next steps, balancing measures with the nation’s fiscal position in mind, especially given the heavy burden of fuel subsidies.

“Therefore, any intervention must be truly targeted, impactful and capable of easing pressure on the industry without passing those costs on to end consumers,” he said.

The economy minister said the government remains committed to ensuring business continuity, stable supply, and the welfare of the people.

He added that the priority is to ensure the country has sufficient fiscal headroom to manage global pressures while implementing structural economic reforms that will strengthen national resilience over the medium and long term.

-- BERNAMA