Malaysia has joined fellow ASEAN member states in signing the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security, reinforcing its commitment to strengthen regional energy security and safeguard supply stability amid global uncertainties.
The Economy Ministry said the new framework, signed during the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, replaces the 2009 ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA). It establishes a renewed foundation for regional cooperation to ensure petroleum and natural gas security, particularly during supply disruptions.
“The agreement reaffirms ASEAN’s shared commitment to a resilient, interconnected and secure regional energy system, built on voluntary and mutually beneficial collaboration among member states.
“At the core of the agreement is the Coordinated Emergency Response Mechanism (CERM), a regional framework enabling member states to voluntarily supply up to 10% of their domestic petroleum needs to another member state facing a supply crisis,” the ministry added.
It highlighted that the updated agreement expands CERM’s scope to include natural gas, reflecting ASEAN’s evolving energy mix and the region’s push for diversified and reliable supply sources. This enhanced coordination mechanism strengthens ASEAN’s collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively during energy emergencies.
Beyond crisis response, the ministry also shared that the agreement encourages medium- and long-term collaboration in exploration, supply diversification and energy efficiency, priorities that complement the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation and Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap.
It emphasised that these initiatives aim to build a sustainable and secure energy ecosystem, balancing immediate supply needs with the region’s transition towards low-carbon development.
