Kuala lumpur: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and Budget 2026 are set to undergo a review due to the implications of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasized the necessity for Malaysia's economic strategies to reflect the evolving global uncertainties that are influencing supply chains, commodity prices, and overall economic costs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid highlighted that the current global situation necessitates a reevaluation of the 13MP. He asserted that the Budget presented last October requires reassessment, and future planning for Budget 2027 should incorporate these emerging factors. His comments were made during the BN Forum Series 10, which focused on the repercussions of the US-Iran conflict on Malaysia.

Ahmad Zahid pointed out that the conflict has disrupted critical strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz. This route is responsible for handling approximately 20 percent of the global oil supply, resulting in increased pressure on worldwide oil prices and operational costs. He noted that Malaysia faces challenges related to subsidies, pricing, rising transportation costs, oil prices, insurance, and distribution expenses, all of which are contributing to economic strain.

He further mentioned that the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) convenes weekly to deliberate on both short-term and medium-term strategies to address these challenges. Additionally, Ahmad Zahid referenced Sarawak as a model state that has proactively embraced solar energy and boasts hydroelectric resources, noting that these resources not only meet local needs but can also be exported to Peninsular Malaysia and neighboring countries. This scenario, he suggested, provides valuable insights for Malaysia's future economic planning.