Malaysia is expected to experience a critical moment with regards to fuel supply by June, according to Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

He said the government is implementing measures to address the global fuel shortage amid the Middle East conflict, including exploring alternative raw materials.

“June and July will be a very critical period in ensuring fuel supplies are available,” Akmal Nasrullah said after attending an event in Johor Bahru.

“It will be equally important to ensure that our industries also have an ample supply of other raw materials, including those made using fuel [oil and gas],” he said.

“We have already begun receiving complaints [from companies] about receiving only two tonnes of materials for orders of 10 tonnes.”

Akmal Nasrullah added that it is vital to take immediate steps to ensure the supply of materials, including medication and medical devices, remains stable.

“For example, in the manufacturing of medical devices that previously relied solely on resin, we can explore the use of polymer using other materials as its base,” he said.