KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will introduce a work-from-home policy for ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies starting Apr 15 to conserve energy during the Middle East war, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.
The premier’s announcement late on Wednesday (Apr 1) comes as the Southeast Asian nation starts to feel the impact of the Middle East war on global fuel supplies.
“The Cabinet has agreed to the work-from-home policy. It aims to reduce fuel consumption and ensure a stable energy supply,” Anwar said during a special briefing.
He did not give details, saying more updates would be announced soon.
Malaysia heavily subsidises fuel, with eligible citizens paying just 1.99 ringgit (US$0.49) per litre of unleaded petrol.
But as global crude prices soar and Iran keeps the crucial Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, Anwar said the quota for subsidised fuel would be cut from 300 litres to 200 litres a month.
Unsubsidised fuel prices will continue to follow global market rates.