Malaysia is the only country in Southeast Asia that has not implemented fuel rationing despite the ongoing global supply crisis, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said several neighbouring countries in the region have already begun rationing fuel supplies, with some forced to shut down as many as 400 petrol stations due to shortages.
“RON95 is provided at one of the lowest costs in the world at RM1.99 per litre. Diesel prices are high, but for farmers, fishermen, school buses and transport operators, the prices have been reduced,” he said.
He noted that fuel prices in neighbouring countries range between RM4 and RM10.50 per litre, while Malaysia maintains RON95 at RM1.99 per litre, with the government bearing billions of ringgit in subsidies each month to ease the burden on the rakyat.
Anwar said this was made possible by early government measures, including targeted subsidy reforms and Malaysia’s good diplomatic ties with Iran, which enabled Malaysian vessels to transport fuel through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also criticised opposition leaders for spreading inaccurate claims regarding fuel transport routes, saying facts should be verified before public statements are made.
The Prime Minister added that the Cabinet had decided on Wednesday to increase the number of police personnel and enforcement officers at the country’s borders to combat fuel smuggling, which he said has caused billions of ringgit in losses due to Malaysia’s comparatively low fuel prices.
Anwar also revealed that Australia had recently requested diesel supplies from Malaysia during talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his recent official visit.
However, Anwar said Malaysia would only consider diesel exports if there was sufficient domestic supply.
