Malaysia’s business chamber has welcomed the government’s three-pronged strategy to manage the global energy shock, while calling for more targeted support to help companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), navigate rising cost pressures.
The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (DPMM) Putrajaya said the measures outlined by Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir are timely, especially as the global energy crisis continues to disrupt supply chains, increase operating costs and weigh on overall economic activity.
Speaking to BusinessToday, Mohd Dzahir The Chairman of DPMM Putrajaya expressed support for the government’s focus on protecting rakyat welfare, sustaining economic momentum and ensuring coordinated policy execution, describing the approach as necessary given the increasingly complex global energy landscape.
However, the chamber stressed that additional targeted assistance is needed for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, food supply and services, which are more vulnerable to rising energy and operational costs. It also welcomed initiatives such as flexible working arrangements and financing support, but urged further expansion of such measures.
He also called for greater clarity and transparency in subsidy rationalisation, noting that predictable policies are critical for businesses to plan effectively. At the same time, it emphasised the importance of strengthening domestic supply chains and increasing Bumiputera participation in strategic sectors, including energy services and logistics, to enhance long-term resilience.
On operational challenges, the chamber highlighted mounting pressure on petrol station operators, citing compressed margins amid regulated fuel prices and rising costs, including card transaction fees. It proposed a review of margin structures, targeted cost-offset mechanisms and potential intervention to ease payment-related charges.
DPMM added that stronger public-private collaboration will be key in addressing the crisis, including deeper engagement with industry players to develop solutions in renewable energy, energy efficiency and alternative fuels. It also supported the use of high-frequency economic indicators, suggesting that selected data be shared with businesses to improve preparedness and risk management.
