Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and the Economy Ministry to engage with manufacturers enduring cost pressures from the global supply crisis to maintain Malaysia’s manufacturing resilience. He said, "The government takes seriously the concerns raised by industry players. I have directed Miti and the Economy Ministry to engage further with the industry to formulate solutions to ease cost pressures and ensure Malaysia's manufacturing ecosystem remains resilient in the long term" [1, 2, 3].
Malaysia’s plastics industry, which supports key sectors such as food packaging, electrical and electronics, automotive, and medical devices, posted sales of RM62.69 billion in 2025, down from RM64.78 billion in 2024 amid rising costs [1, 2, 3]. The government is reviewing industry proposals on structural cost and competitiveness issues during the global supply challenges [2].
On fuel supplies, Anwar stated Malaysia can handle higher fuel prices for now despite tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. He said, "Malaysia is able to handle higher fuel costs for now... The real challenge is how to ensure that supplies remain under control even though fuel costs have increased" [4]. Russia has guaranteed long-term diesel and oil supplies, and Turkmenistan granted PETRONAS access to gas fields with exploratory drilling beginning December 2026 [4]. The government has spent about RM40 billion subsidizing petroleum products in 2026, with monthly subsidies ranging from RM0.8 billion to RM5 billion depending on oil prices [4]. Anwar also said Malaysian petrol prices are now lower than in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, countering opposition criticism [5].
Anwar rejected calls for an early general election amid political tensions following Pakatan Harapan’s poor showing in recent polls. PH won only 8 of 56 seats in the July 14 Johor state election, while Barisan Nasional captured 48 seats. PH also performed weakly in the 2025 Sabah elections [6]. Anwar said, "We have a mandate until the election – when the time comes, we contest again. No problem. The people want stability, the economy to grow, and for us not to engage in politics all the time. So give us the time" [7, 6, 8, 9].
He also urged PH assemblymen in Melaka to delay quitting the state government and negotiate to avoid governance disruption after four Melaka DAP assemblymen withdrew following a constitutional amendment allowing unelected assemblymen [10, 11].
Despite internal disagreements within Pakatan Harapan and political tensions, Anwar said reform and anti-corruption efforts remain a priority. Speaking at the Institute of Teacher Education in Bandar Enstek on July 17, he acknowledged resistance from elites guarding corrupt practices as a major hurdle. "Many people are uncomfortable when we seek to reform the system. However, no system is ever perfect and it must always be improved," he said [12].
The government continues exploring ways to support manufacturers and manage economic challenges amid global uncertainty. Exploratory drilling at Turkmen gas fields is scheduled for December 2026 [4].
