Mengkuang titi: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has advised the people to be prudent in their spending and be thrifty as a precautionary measure to face possible global economic uncertainties. He said that although the country's current economic situation was under control, international geopolitical developments, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, could affect global supply chains, thereby pushing prices higher.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar deliberately highlighted the international issue to prevent complacency among the public. He noted that despite a sense of comfort, the current world scenario is 'chaotic', with many countries involved in wars, either directly or indirectly. This was conveyed during his speech at the opening of the Mengkuang Titi Mosque.

Elaborating further, Anwar mentioned that global oil prices have now surged to as much as twice their previous levels due to tensions arising from the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He also pointed out that restrictions on large vessels transporting oil and gas in the Strait of Hormuz, caused by the conflict stemming from the oppression of the Israeli regime, have led to over 200 tanker ships being affected.

The situation has resulted in a significant rise in logistics costs, which has subsequently impacted the prices of other essentials, including food and fertilisers. Anwar added that the costs of food and fertilisers imported from Ukraine, Russia, and Europe have all surged sharply, and the government is striving to find ways to address the situation.

He emphasized the importance of financial prudence to the public, highlighting the need to be thrifty and save. Anwar stated that while the government aims to maintain subsidised prices of essentials, the sustainability of such measures remains uncertain given the sharp rise in global oil prices. He cautioned against wastefulness, particularly during the fasting period and ahead of the Hari Raya celebration, urging the public to manage finances wisely in anticipation of a more serious crisis.

The mosque's opening, held in conjunction with the Nuzul al-Quran celebration, was also attended by Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.