Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) will collaborate to improve the agribusiness sector's logistics chain in response to the impact of the global supply crisis.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Minister of Economy, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, announced that KPDN and KPK will facilitate the registration of individual traders as companies. This will enable them to receive incentives under the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS Diesel), subject to eligibility, to address the impact of the global supply crisis on the sector. The initiative, agreed upon by the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), aligns with the sector's importance, which contributes significantly to the country's exports and the income of smallholders, plantation activities, processing, logistics, and downstream industries.
Forecasts for 2026 anticipate a 13.48 per cent decline in agricommodity exports to RM170.2 billion, while imports are expected to decrease by 3.28 per cent to RM72.47 billion. "This trend needs to be given attention because logistical disruptions, rising input costs, and operational pressures can directly impact export competitiveness and the income of smallholders," Akmal Nasrullah stated during the virtual Global Supply Crisis Briefing held on the ministry's Facebook page.
Akmal Nasrullah also mentioned that KPK will continue examining other mitigation measures, specifically for the medium- and long-term, including strengthening price controls and anti-hoarding measures for agricultural inputs. The ministry is also advised to explore the potential to export palm oil products to other countries to protect overall production, smallholders, supply stability, and the country's export competitiveness. "Any policy intervention will be implemented cautiously, targeted, and data-driven. Assistance must reach those affected, at the right time and in the most effective form," he emphasized.
In another development, Akmal Nasrullah reported that port activities remain resilient, with daily cargo handling surging by 8.3 per cent to 848.9 thousand freight-weight tons (FWT) and container volumes rising by 8.3 per cent to 93.1 thousand twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) as of April 2026. Malaysia's maritime trade and supply chain activities are still running smoothly, despite increases in shipping costs, insurance premiums, and the risk of global route disruptions.
The minister added that the aviation sector is facing greater pressure, with daily aircraft movements in April 2026 declining by 31.5 per cent to 2,464 following the cancellation of West Asia routes. Meanwhile, international air cargo handling also fell by 14.3 per cent to 1,784 kilograms (kg) in April. "Similarly, domestic air cargo decreased by 18 per cent to 420 kg due to the surge in fuel costs and adjustments in airline operations," he remarked.
Regarding electricity, Akmal Nasrullah noted that the maximum demand in the week of May 18 to 23, 2026, increased by 3.62 per cent to 21,319 megawatts (MW), but remained at a controlled level below the system's maximum limit of 21,469 MW. He assured that there has been no sudden increase in electricity demand, and the existing reserve capacity is still sufficient to meet the current increase.