Kuala lumpur: The National Economic Action Council (MTEN) today approved three proposals covering logistics facilitation, risk mitigation, and market expansion to ensure supply chains and the continuity of domestic industries are not severely disrupted amid the global supply crisis. Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir highlighted these strategic mitigation measures put forth by the MTEN Crisis Management Task Force, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Malaysia (MITI), and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the government is assessing local supplies that can be utilised by affected industries, while simultaneously strengthening bilateral negotiations based on national strategic needs and complementary trade principles. Akmal Nasrullah noted that the manufacturing sector faces challenges such as shortages of key input materials, which could disrupt value chains. He identified difficulties in securing alternative supplies in the short term and risks of restrictions or constraints from exporting countries as the main challenges.

Akmal Nasrullah further mentioned that Malaysia is focusing on cooperation with Australia to ensure continuity of energy and agricultural inputs, including Malaysia's need for phosphate for fertiliser production and Australia's demand for urea from Malaysia. There is also a shared commitment to maintaining stable energy supply flows. In collaboration with China, efforts are concentrated on increasing the supply of resin and naphtha to support domestic production of critical medical devices.

He elaborated that these strategic measures aim to secure supply sources, reduce risks of global supply chain disruptions, and bolster the country's food, energy, and healthcare security. The government's action framework now centers on three key priorities: ensuring and extending supply, as well as containing price increases. Akmal Nasrullah emphasized that the current crisis is not just about prices, but about ensuring the country has sufficient supply, the flexibility to adjust, and the capacity to protect the public while maintaining uninterrupted access to essential goods until alternative supplies are strengthened.