Perak: The people and the government must unite to confront mounting economic and energy challenges arising from the global energy crisis following the conflict in West Asia, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, His Royal Highness warned that the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is not merely a political or military manoeuvre, but one with far-reaching implications for global stability, regional security, economic resilience, and humanitarian sentiment. In light of these risks, Sultan Nazrin called for comprehensive national preparedness, both physically and mentally, to face the possibility of a prolonged global crisis.
He emphasised that unity between the government and the people is essential in navigating what could be a difficult and uncertain period. 'The strength of the domestic economy must be reinforced, food security safeguarded, financial stability maintained, and national unity preserved so that the country is not easily swayed by sentiment or speculation.'
'Beyond government-led initiatives, citizens also share responsibility in easing the burden by adopting prudent spending habits, practising thrift, and helping to reduce fuel consumption, thereby reducing government subsidies,' said the Sultan. Sultan Nazrin was delivering the Royal Address at the opening of the Fourth Year of the Fifteenth State Legislative Assembly at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building here today.
His Royal Highness further stressed the importance of a clear and effective communication strategy to help the public understand the causes, scale, and real-life impact of the crisis in simple and accessible terms, adding that the current situation is not the time for any party to fish in troubled waters or exploit the situation for narrow political purposes, he added.
"The government and opposition alike, along with community leaders and the private sector, must find common ground and work collaboratively. All must demonstrate unity and work together in addressing the looming economic challenges,' he said. Sultan Nazrin also described the crisis as a 'warning bell' for Malaysia to accelerate long-term structural reforms, particularly in reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
He stressed that investment in renewable energy is no longer optional, but a strategic imperative. 'My government must not remain passive. Immediate steps must be taken to develop infrastructure that enables the public to adopt alternative energy solutions, including electric vehicles, as well as renewable sources such as solar and hydro,' His Royal Highness said.
On the economic front, the Sultan cautioned that the conflict could trigger a broader global downturn in the medium to long term. Malaysia, as an open economy, is especially vulnerable to external shocks, including rising oil prices, supply chain disruptions, and escalating logistics and transportation costs. These pressures, he noted, could cascade into higher production costs, increased prices of goods and services, weakened purchasing power, inflationary strain, fiscal pressure, and shifting investor sentiment, compounded by increasingly complex geopolitical risks.
'No country is immune to these effects. The extent of the impact on Malaysia will depend largely on the duration and severity of the conflict,' Sultan Nazrin added.