JOHOR BARU: Malaysia is the only country in the region that has not implemented fuel rationing, despite the global supply crisis, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said several neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia have begun implementing such measures, with some even closing up to 400 petrol stations due to shortages.
"RON95 petrol is provided at one of the lowest costs in the world at RM1.99 per litre. Diesel prices are high, but for farmers, fishermen, and school buses, the price has been lowered.
"What is the cost of RON95 in neighbouring countries? Some have reached RM10.50 per litre, others RM4, and RM6. And us? RM1.99," he said, explaining that the government bears billions of ringgit in subsidies each month to avoid burdening the people.
He was speaking at a meet and greet session with staff of the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) and Sixth Form Centre students at the IPG Temenggong Ibrahim campus here on Friday (April 24).
Anwar said this has been possible due to early measures taken by the government, including the targeted subsidy approach and good relations with Iran, which have allowed Malaysian fuel tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
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"Which other country has been allowed to send oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz? Yet there are opposition political leaders who claim we did not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This shows a lack of humility in seeking the facts," he said.
Anwar said the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday also decided to increase the number of police and enforcement officers to guard the country's borders following the high number of smuggling cases in these areas.
"Our fuel is too cheap and smuggling is too rampant. When smuggling happens, it means the country's money is flowing out. So we have to tighten control because billions of ringgit are being lost," he said.
Anwar also briefed ministers, chief ministers, menteri besar, and the Premier of Sarawak on the necessary steps needed to deal with the ongoing situation.
He also advised the public to understand current economic and geopolitical issues so as not to be influenced by inaccurate information on social media.
Meanwhile, Anwar said the global supply crisis has also led Australia to request diesel supplies from Malaysia. This came up during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his recent official visit to the country.
The matter was among those discussed, in line with the good relations between the two nations. Malaysia also purchases phosphate fertiliser for Felda farmers from Australia.
"He (Albanese) asked whether Malaysia could supply diesel. I said we don't have a surplus of diesel, but if there is any excess, we can export it," he said.
