SNAPSHOT | Muhyiddin: PM's address on fuel crisis 'inadequate'; govt to look into nuclear energy

KINI SNAPSHOT | What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

9pm 

Oil and gas crisis

• Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s national address on the country’s fuel situation is inadequate and does not instill confidence that the government has a clear plan in the event of a global crisis.

  He urged the government to hold National Economic Action Council meetings daily, as it did during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, to involve both the public and private sectors in a swift and integrated response.

  Stimulus packages need to be implemented to protect critical sectors and industry players, particularly small and medium industries, to minimise the impact of the conflict on the people and the economy.

  “What is needed by the people now is a clear economic direction, namely a strategy to tackle inflation, secure food and energy supplies, and safeguard the continuity of local businesses.

  “In this critical period, national leadership must be firm and clear. Failure to do so would only erode the confidence of the people and the market towards the government’s ability to handle the crisis,” the former prime minister said in a statement.

• The government has affirmed that there is an increasingly relevant need to assess the potential and feasibility of nuclear energy, amid a changing global energy landscape influenced by geopolitical uncertainties as well as supply and fuel price instability.

  Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Fadillah Yusof said that due to negative impacts on global energy markets and supplies linked with tensions in West Asia, there are merits in exploring the potential of nuclear energy for national electricity generation. 

  “In this context, nuclear energy is seen as capable of providing stable, low-carbon base-load generation, thereby helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” he said in a statement today.

  

  Fadillah added that MyPower Corporation, as an agency under the ministry, is conducting a comprehensive assessment on the development of a national nuclear energy programme.   

  He also pointed out that several other Asean countries, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, are also reassessing the role of nuclear energy as part of their energy sources diversification strategies.

• The Human Resources Ministry has backed Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s encouragement for the private sector to implement flexible working arrangements (FWA), amid challenges posed by the global energy crisis.

  Describing FWA as a strategic approach that can help organisations adjust operations more efficiently without affecting productivity, the ministry urged all private sector employers to take proactive steps in adopting such a move.

  It highlighted that employers who have implemented FWA cannot reduce benefits provided under the Employment Act 1955, including overtime pay, pay for work on rest days, pay for work on public holidays, the provision of rest days, annual leave, public holidays, and sick leave. 

  It also noted that under Sections 60P and 60Q of the Act, employees may apply for flexible work arrangements from employers. 

  

• Putrajaya has mobilised efforts to ensure a continuous fertiliser supply, with measures undertaken aimed at reducing dependence on a single source while increasing the resilience of the national supply chain.

  Plantation and Commodities Minister Noraini Ahmad said such efforts include expanding fertiliser import sources through strategic negotiations with existing and new supplier countries, as well as activating alternative supply channels within three to six months. 

  In a statement yesterday, the minister noted that Malaysia imports over four to five million tonnes of fertiliser annually, with an estimated market value exceeding RM5 billion per year.

  She added that the government will accelerate structural transformations through the use of biomass, biogas, and biochar-based fertilisers, while strengthening circular economy practices in the plantation sector and reducing long-term dependence on imported chemical fertilisers.

  Engagements have also been held with local fertiliser manufacturers to prioritise supply for the domestic market, stabilise prices through local production, and increase the medium-term capacity of the national fertiliser industry.

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  READ MORE: Experts: West Asia war could push up Malaysia's food costs

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• The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) joins a growing number of industry groups seeking a reprieve from the government to cope with disruptions arising from the conflict in West Asia. Bernama quoted its president, Jacob Lee, saying that disruptions are already affecting the output and export fulfillment of local manufacturers, and urged the government to exempt reimported export cargo from sales tax and import duty.

  This is on condition that the goods are not being sold or disposed of domestically upon return.

  He also urged the government to extend diesel subsidy coverage to fuel-intensive industrial sectors with no viable alternative energy source, such as marine logistics operators serving Sabah and Sarawak.

• PKR Youth vice-chief Nabil Halimi urged the government to announce an economic stimulus package amid the rising fuel prices due to the conflict in West Asia.

  He said the stimulus package must, among others, address cost-of-living issues, stabilise the supply chain and logistics, provide support for SMEs, and protect jobs.

  

  “Any delay in announcing the stimulus package would trigger an inflationary shock to the country,” Nabil said in a statement.

  He added that the government should also establish a national emergency communications team to ensure the people are given clear, honest, and consistent messaging about the situation at hand.

  “The government should also embark on an organised fuel-saving measure which includes allowing people to work from home,” Nabil said. 

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  READ MORE: Budi95 quota reduced by 100 litres amid Middle East conflict

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• Malaysian E-hailing Coalition chief activist Masrizal Mahidin lauded the government’s decision to maintain the monthly ceiling of up to 800 litres under the Budi95 programme for e-hailing drivers and gig workers, describing it as a timely measure to help stabilise operating costs amid adjustments to the subsidy scheme.

  The move, he added, could also stimulate demand for e-hailing services following the temporary adjustment to the Budi95 quota from 300 litres to 200 litres for members of the public beginning next month.

  “The temporary quota adjustment is expected to encourage more users, particularly in urban areas, to shift to e-hailing instead of using their own vehicles, creating opportunities for higher income among drivers,” Bernama reported him as saying.

  However, Masrizal stressed the need for long-term solutions in addressing global oil price uncertainties, such as supporting the gradual transition of the e-hailing sector to electric vehicles.

  “The government and industry players need to provide sufficient incentives and infrastructure, while strengthening social protection, insurance, emergency funds, and upskilling training to ensure the resilience of gig workers in facing global economic uncertainties,” he added.

Weather

• The Building and Woodworkers’ International - Malaysia Liaison Council pressed Putrajaya to recognise extreme heat as a “deadly occupational hazard” under relevant laws, which would mandate work stoppages when temperature risks reach critically high levels. 

  The council lamented that while millions of outdoor workers - especially those in the building and wood sectors, agriculture, and p-hailing riders - are the most vulnerable group to prolonged heat exposure, their situations are not addressed in mainstream public health discussions.

  

  “Workers must not be penalised with wage reductions due to lost working hours when work is suspended for their safety. 

  “Similarly, construction contractors should not face financial penalties for delays caused by extreme heat stoppages,” it said in a statement today. 

  Calling for the tabling of a comprehensive National Heat Action Plan, the council said that as extreme heat becomes an emerging climate change threat to Malaysians, the crisis demands a coordinated response from the Human Resources Ministry, Health Ministry, and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.

6PM

Governance

• In light of soaring fuel prices due to the West Asia conflict, opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to convene an emergency Dewan Rakyat sitting to allow MPs to debate the matter transparently.

  In a letter to the premier dated March 26, which was posted on Facebook, Hamzah expressed hope that Anwar would consider his proposal to allow opposition MPs space to debate the matter openly and thoroughly in the Dewan Rakyat.

  “This will help instill confidence among the people about the administration’s preparedness to deal with the economic challenges ahead, especially when it comes to food security,” the Larut MP added. 

‘Corporate mafia’

• Amid claims by businessperson Victor Chin that he paid over RM9.5 million to a PKR MP, PAS Youth urged the authorities to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the matter immediately.

  Its deputy youth chief, Hafez Sabri, said it was important for the authorities to find out the truth over the allegations to ensure those involved in the “corporate mafia” are prosecuted without any compromise.

  “It was also alleged that the money was solicited to obtain political interference over corporate matters. This really brings into question the integrity and transparency of our administration,” Hafez said on Facebook today.

  

  Yesterday, Chin said the RM9.5 million he allegedly paid to a PKR MP was a “service fee” and was not intended to settle matters with enforcement agencies investigating the “corporate mafia” scandal.

  He also said the amount was not to settle allegations of wrongdoing against him and that he resorted to the act under “significant duress” from the “corporate mafia” gang members.

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  READ MORE: Chin: RM9.5m was 'service fee', not to 'kaw tim' with investigators

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• MACC said it has yet to receive a report on allegations that a PKR parliamentarian had solicited RM10 million from Chin.

  Stressing that the allegation is yet to be ascertained, MACC urged those with valid information to lodge an official report to allow the commission to start investigating the matter.

  “MACC is committed to scrutinising every detail received and will only take action based on solid evidence, in line with existing legal provisions,” it said in a statement. 

Politics

• Veteran politician Rais Yatim expressed his dissatisfaction over the issues plaguing Bersatu, adding the party should no longer be called Bersatu - the Malay word for united.

  “Everything in Bersatu is broken, except for its name,” Free Malaysia Today reported the former minister as saying.

  Rais, a long-time Umno member before joining Bersatu in 2018 after getting sacked, however, maintained he would not rejoin Umno.

  

  “Umno has lost its gleam for the thinking Malays. I have no wish to return as a member,” he added.

  On Feb 13, Bersatu sacked 17 members, including party deputy president Hamzah, at the height of a power struggle between the latter and party president Muhyiddin Yassin.

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  READ MORE: Muhyiddin suggests Ronald's offence not on par with Hamzah's

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2pm

Activism 

• Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that a Malaysian activist was branded an “undesirable visitor” and refused entry into the republic after promoting “unlawful, violent, and disruptive methods of civil protest”.

  The ministry said Fadiah Nadwa Fikri, who was previously involved with Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) and the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), had encouraged youths in Singapore to adopt “her brand of radical advocacy” in support of “specific causes”.

  In a March 22 post on X, the pro-Palestine advocate claimed that her deportation to Malaysia and ban from entering Singapore are “tantamount to a deliberate attack” on her scholarly work on the “intellectual history of decolonisation and anti-imperialism”.

  

  She also shared a Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority notice, which stated that she was “ineligible for the issue of a pass under current immigration policies”.

  Fadiah had received her PhD in January from the National University of Singapore (NUS), where she was a student under the Southeast Asian Studies department. She was also awarded a teaching fellowship by NUS’ College of Humanities and Sciences. 

Fuel subsidies 

• Sabah Umno treasurer Salleh Said Keruak defended the diesel subsidy retained in East Malaysia after several quarters questioned the matter.

  This comes after Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan called out the matter yesterday, saying it could lead to consumers and businesses in the peninsula feeling as if they are being “punished by the government” with heavier burdens.

  

  He pointed out that costs in Sabah and Sarawak are higher due to several reasons, including the fact that logistics in both regions involve a large travel distance from one place to another, be it land or sea.

  “The supply chain here is complex and pricey, especially in rural areas. The geography here adds to the challenge. A large area, scattered populace, and limited infrastructure add to distribution costs,” he said on Facebook, adding that people there are the hardest hit by fuel price fluctuations.

  The Umno leader also pointed out that Sabah and Sarawak are the largest contributors to the nation’s oil and gas sector, an important point which must be considered when formulating national policies. 

• Upko president Ewon Benedick defended Putrajaya’s decision to retain diesel prices at RM2.15 per litre for East Malaysia, highlighting that Sarawak and Sabah are the nation’s biggest oil and gas suppliers.

  Ewon said that since the Petroleum Development Act 1974 was enacted, Sabah had lost its largest revenue-generating source.

  

  “So, I defend the federal government’s decision to retain our diesel subsidy and other forms of subsidies as it is our right.

  “We have been ‘subsidising’ development in other places. So, just return to Sabah what we lost after several legislations were enacted, especially the Petroleum Development Act,” Berita Harian reported the Sabah deputy chief minister as saying.

• Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh urged Anwar not to ignore the plight of the 10 percent who would be affected after the government reduced the standard monthly entitlement for subsidised RON95 petrol, priced at RM1.99 per litre, from 300 litres to 200 litres.

  While he acknowledged the need to implement a targeted subsidy during volatile economic times, Akmal said one should look beyond the numbers and realise that the 10 percent involves the struggles of real people.

  

  “They are not rich and live with limited options. These people live on the outskirts and travel hundreds of kilometres daily to work, as the rent in urban areas does not make sense.

  “For them, the 100 litre is not a luxury but a necessity. When that is removed, don’t be surprised if their lives become even more difficult,” Akmal said on Facebook.

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  READ MORE: Budi95 quota reduced by 100 litres amid Middle East conflict

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• PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari also questioned the government’s reasoning in reducing the monthly subsidised fuel quota, asserting that the move might yield minimal impacts.

  “If it is true that only about 10 percent of RON95 users exceed 300 litres per month, what is the point of messing with the quota?

  “It has no significant effect on the government’s subsidy savings,” the Pasir Mas MP said in a Facebook post today.

  

  Anwar had yesterday assured that a majority of those eligible for the subsidy are not expected to be affected by the reduction. 

9am 

West Asia conflict

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed appreciation to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian for allowing Malaysian oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

  “Now we are in the process of releasing the Malaysian oil tankers and the workers involved so that they can continue their journey home,” Bernama quoted Anwar as saying in a special address yesterday.

  While the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to global oil and gas supplies have the potential to affect Malaysia, Anwar said the nation is in a relatively better position due to the capability of national energy company Petronas in managing supply and energy stability.

  

  He added that efforts to seek peace following the United States’ and Israel’s attacks on Iran are not “easy” as Iran believes it has been “repeatedly deceived” and finds it difficult to accept moves towards peace without binding agreements and security guarantees for the country.

  Malaysia, Anwar said, will continue to play an active role in supporting regional peace efforts while ensuring that the interests and safety of the people, as well as the national economy, remain protected.

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