Kuala lumpur: A renowned economist has advised that a national petroleum reserve should be incorporated into a broader economic security strategy that includes food security, critical minerals, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure. According to BERNAMA News Agency, IPPFA Sdn Bhd director of investment strategy and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to economic resilience, warning that future disruptions could originate from various strategic sectors beyond petroleum. Mohd Sedek Jantan highlighted that stockpiles alone do not create resilience; rather, they are most effective when part of a comprehensive economic security strategy. He stated that the success of such an initiative should be measured by its ability to strengthen Malaysia's capacity to withstand future geoeconomic shocks, rather than merely by the quantity of barrels stored. He stressed the importance of resilience across multiple sectors, not just petroleum. The economist noted that while energy security should be a crucial component of Malaysia's long-term economic strategy, it should not be isolated from other critical areas such as food, minerals, and semiconductors. He underscored the importance of a balanced approach in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's proposal to study the creation of a petroleum reserve stock to protect Malaysia from global supply crises and geopolitical conflicts. Mohd Sedek pointed out that food security needs equal priority, given Malaysia's reliance on imports for key food products, and the impact of global food supply disruptions on inflation and social stability. Reliable energy supplies are also vital for supporting manufacturing and industrial production, contributing to a more resilient economy. He emphasized the need for Malaysia to develop an integrated economic security strategy to strengthen resilience across multiple strategic sectors, rather than focusing on a single commodity. The proposed petroleum reserve stock should be part of a broader national risk management framework, flexible enough to address future strategic challenges. Mohd Sedek outlined several priorities for the petroleum reserve: defining its purpose to safeguard the economy during genuine supply disruptions, establishing a flexible framework for managing strategic risks, and ensuring commercial and fiscal sustainability through rigorous cost-benefit analysis. He suggested learning from countries like Japan, where strategic reserves are integrated with diversified supply chains and strong public-private coordination.