Nation diversifies energy supplies as Anwar say stocks remain stable despite Hormuz uncertainty

THE country's fuel supply remains adequate for now, although uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz continue to raise concerns about the supply chain, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the government was taking steps to diversify fuel supply sources to reduce dependence on the same channel. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin had assured that the long-term agreement for the supply of oil and diesel to Malaysia that was previously signed would continue to be fulfilled. "In addition, the Government of Turkmenistan also provided one of the world's largest gas wells in the country for Petronas to operate. "This is a good development for the country, especially for Petronas, as it is allowed to operate one of the largest gas wells in the world. "Efforts to drill and extract gas in the Block 9 and Block 10 areas are expected to begin this December. This period is considered very fast because usually the expectation (to start the project) is to take between one and a half to two years," he said during Ministerial Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, today. Anwar also pointed out that the price of oil in Malaysia is lower than in Qatar and Saudi Arabia. “That is a fact that needs to be remembered. When we asked for a decrease of RM1.50 (before), the price of oil in Saudi Arabia was only 50 sen; now we have RM1.99, and the price in Saudi Arabia is more than RM2.40," he said. He said this in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu), who raised the issue of oil prices and made a comparison with the prices during the administration of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, said the amount of government assistance funding currently is higher compared to the previous administration. The increase was partly contributed to by the implementation of the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), targeted subsidies for BUDI and the Basic Rahmah Contribution (SARA). "If there are other suggestions on how to lower the price (of oil), I have no problem because I will listen. “We need to listen and take action where necessary. That's why we don't just call ministers, but also involve company representatives, farmers and others to listen to their views," he said. ECRL to extend to Thai border as Anwar drives ASEAN connectivity agenda Anwar announced that Malaysia will strengthen transport, logistics and energy connectivity with Thailand through an ambitious expansion of rail infrastructure, border logistics and port development aimed at transforming the Malaysia-Thailand frontier into a key engine of regional economic growth. He said the Federal Government had approved the extension of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Tumpat to Rantau Panjang and was proposing that the railway continue into Thailand using the same alignment currently being studied by the Ministry of Transport. The proposal forms part of broader bilateral discussions with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to enhance cross-border connectivity, increase the utilisation of ports in Thailand and Penang, and accelerate the development of the Perlis Inland Port. "This is also covered under the ECRL initiative, which is heading in that direction, and the Federal Government has decided for it to be expanded from Tumpat to Rantau Panjang. "In discussions with the Thai Prime Minister, we also proposed that the railway route be extended into Thailand using the same alignment currently being studied by the Ministry of Transport," he said during Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat. Anwar was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan on measures to ensure infrastructure and logistics development along the Malaysia-Thailand border is aligned with the growth of Border Economic Zones. He said the government was determined to ensure border communities were no longer left behind in the country's development agenda through greater investment in infrastructure, education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). "We do not want areas that have been left behind from the mainstream of development. That is why attention is being given to infrastructure facilities, education, TVET training and other areas. "Secondly, there are opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, especially among Bumiputera entrepreneurs, as these areas are regarded as part of the Malay Belt," he said. Responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah (PN-Langkawi), Anwar acknowledged concerns that a significant proportion of jobs generated in border development projects could be filled by non-professional workers, saying greater efforts were needed to ensure local communities and young Malaysians benefited directly from new employment opportunities. He proposed closer collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments to establish commercial facilities around major development hubs such as the Perlis Inland Port and Bukit Kayu Hitam. "That is why I suggested, for example, that state governments, with the Menteri Besar also involved, provide locations around major development areas such as the Perlis Inland Port or Bukit Kayu Hitam. "The Federal Government can provide some funding to create opportunities for small traders, for example around the new bridge development area in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan, by providing shops, stalls and restaurants for small businesses," he said. Earlier, Anwar said Malaysia-Thailand cooperation was also being driven through wider ASEAN initiatives, including the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the ASEAN Power Grid (APG), reflecting the government's commitment to deeper regional integration. He said the ASEAN Power Grid would connect electricity networks across Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, creating a more integrated and resilient regional energy system. "At the regional level, we give priority to initiatives such as ASEAN Free Trade Area, which strengthens relations with several countries. "When we discuss Malaysia-Thailand relations, it also includes the ASEAN Power Grid involving Vietnam, with energy transmission routes extending through the peninsula to Singapore, as well as another route through Laos and Thailand," he said. Anwar said closer transport, logistics and energy integration would not only strengthen bilateral ties with Thailand but also reinforce ASEAN's long-term vision of seamless regional connectivity, greater trade integration and more balanced economic development across border regions. - July 14, 2026