Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has proposed that the relevant ASEAN ministers urgently explore the establishment of a regional standby mechanism for food security during crises, including the ongoing conflict in West Asia, to enable faster coordination and emergency response efforts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, speaking at the plenary session of the 48th ASEAN Summit, Anwar warned that the energy crisis is already exacerbating food insecurity. Rising fuel prices continue to drive up fertiliser, transportation, and production costs, creating immediate supply pressures across the region. He emphasized that if disruptions persist, ASEAN faces the risk of lower yields and sustained food inflation well into next year, making food security a regional strategic priority.
Anwar also highlighted the need to strengthen the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) mechanism, advocating for expanded cooperation beyond rice reserves to include fertiliser security. Referring to the Kuala Lumpur Declaration adopted last year, he noted that the 20-year framework recognizes energy security, food resilience, supply chain stability, and stronger regional connectivity as strategic imperatives rather than merely sectoral concerns.
The Prime Minister called on ASEAN member states to build on the momentum of the declaration, which reaffirmed its shared commitment to strategic autonomy, economic resilience, and sustainable growth. On the implementation of the ASEAN Framework on Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), Anwar stated Malaysia's full support for accelerating the initiative, which provides essential protection as domestic oil and gas production declines across the region.
He urged ASEAN to diversify fossil fuel sources and reduce overdependence on vulnerable supply chains, advocating for strategic collaboration with trusted partners and regional groupings to strengthen ASEAN's long-term energy security. Anwar also encouraged leveraging cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the broader ASEAN-GCC-China nexus, to establish more reliable and resilient energy arrangements.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of the ASEAN Power Grid in the bloc's energy transition and long-term security, calling for greater investment to accelerate cross-border interconnectivity and low-carbon growth. Addressing ASEAN nationals' safety amid the West Asia crisis, Anwar urged member states to enhance information-sharing, consular cooperation, and emergency response mechanisms.
He stressed the necessity of closer collaboration with external partners, international organizations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the welfare of the people, particularly migrant workers, seafarers, peacekeepers, and students, in the face of regional instability. Reaffirming Malaysia's full support for the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship this year, Anwar praised the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together" as timely and necessary, reflecting continuity in ASEAN's vision and resolve to strengthen unity, resilience, and centrality in an increasingly complex global environment.