Don’t Mislead The Public, M’sia Remains Strong Amid East Asia Crisis - Tengku Zafrul

KUALA LUMPUR, March 15 (Bernama) -- The government has taken strong, proactive fiscal measures to keep the economy stable if the crisis in West Asia continues, said Senior Political Advisor to the Prime Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said that the public should not be misled by claims that the government is unprepared or using the issue for political gain.

According to him, the measures include savings initiatives and retaining fuel subsidies to help ease the public's cost of living.

“Even with global fuel prices rising, RON95, particularly BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95), is still priced at RM1.99.

“It’s backed by government subsidies, without which fuel prices would have risen. This reflects the government’s care,” he told Bernama during the Singgah Sahur programme with frontliners at Ampang Jaya District Police Headquarters early this morning.

He said the government has held two Cabinet meetings to prepare for the impact of the West Asia crisis, adding that each ministry has been asked to make early plans for swift action if the crisis persists.

“Economically, the country’s position is still strong, thanks to strengthened fundamentals over the past two to three years,” he said, adding that the 2022 oil price surge showed the government could maintain subsidies without straining the public.

He said the government under Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has kept subsidies in place despite rising global oil prices to protect the people’s well-being.

“I urge certain parties not to mislead the public or politicise these issues. Compared to other countries, we are in a stronger position to face these challenges,” he said.

On March 11, in a special press conference on the West Asia conflict, Anwar said Malaysia’s oil supply is secure, with RON95 under BUDI95 kept at RM1.99 per litre despite higher market prices, and assured that the government will continue monitoring West Asia to safeguard the people’s and the country’s interests.

Earlier, Tengku Zafrul distributed over 300 food packs and baskets to frontliners at the Ampang Jaya District Police Headquarters, Pandan Indah Police Station, Pandan Fire and Rescue Station, and Ampang Hospital.

-- BERNAMA