Johor bahru: The government is focusing on keeping economic activity strong to safeguard jobs for the people amid a global supply crisis, said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. He emphasized the importance of ensuring an uninterrupted supply, particularly of the country's oil, to support ongoing economic activities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the current priority for the government is to ensure that the economy continues to move forward so that job opportunities can be sustained. In the initial months of the crisis, addressing supply-related issues became a primary concern. The government has taken measures to ensure a sufficient national oil supply, guaranteeing that it will remain adequate until the end of July. This assurance was shared by Akmal Nasrullah following his attendance at the Korban Perdana Aidiladha programme at Masjid Jamek Bandar Baru Uda.

He further mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced several worker protection initiatives during Workers' Day, including allocations under the Employment Insurance Scheme (SIP) to support workers who might be impacted by the crisis. Disruptions to energy supply and production inputs could potentially affect the industrial sector by slowing operations and impacting workers' incomes, he noted.

The government is also actively engaging with industry players and holding discussions with foreign countries to secure supply chains. Additionally, the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Japan will be utilized to discuss strategic supply-related issues identified by the Ministry of Economy.

On the topic of geopolitical developments in West Asia, Akmal Nasrullah indicated that, despite a decline in global oil prices, uncertainty remains. Recent developments have positively influenced oil price movements, but the situation remains volatile. Further declines in oil prices are anticipated this week, yet the overall situation continues to be uncertain.