West Asia Conflict: CAP Calls For Unity, Reforms To Weather Economic Impact

GEORGE TOWN, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has called on all Malaysians to respond to the economic challenges triggered by the conflict in West Asia with unity, discipline and social responsibility, while outlining three key responses to address the crisis.

Its president, Mohideen Abdul Kader said the situation is no longer a distant geopolitical issue but one that directly affects Malaysian households, businesses and the national economy.

Firstly, he stressed that Malaysians must support immediate government efforts to stabilise prices, protect supply chains, and cushion households from the worst effects of the crisis. 

"In times of global disruption, calm and coordinated action is essential, but the government alone cannot carry the nation through a prolonged crisis if society itself is divided, distrustful and consumed by narrow politics.

"Consumers, businesses, civil society, workers, community organisations, and political leaders must all recognise that this is a moment for shared responsibility," he said in a statement today.

Secondly, Mohideen described the crisis as an opportunity for strategic reforms, including strengthening food security, diversifying energy sources, improving public transport, reforming subsidies to make them more targeted, and reducing dependence on vulnerable import routes.

CAP also called for a bipartisan national approach, warning against political infighting during a period of economic uncertainty.

He said Parliament should become a platform for constructive solutions on inflation, subsidies, food security, public health and household protection

 Mohideen pointed to lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that Malaysia performed best when institutions and communities worked together, but suffered setbacks when politics overtook national interest

He also said CAP pledged to play a constructive role by monitoring price movements, exposing profiteering and unfair practices, advocating stronger consumer protections, pushing for policies that shield vulnerable households, and promoting awareness, preparedness and solidarity within communities.

"If we stand together, support necessary reforms and insist on bipartisan responsibility, Malaysia can do more than endure this crisis. We can emerge from it stronger, wiser and more resilient," he added.

-- BERNAMA