PUTRAJAYA — The government is closely reviewing petrochemical supply issues that may potentially disrupt the food packaging chain and the supply of essential goods, following the global supply crisis, said Madani Government spokesperson Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

The Communications Minister said the matter was discussed at yesterday’s National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting, with further studies being conducted by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti).

Fahmi said the Government is aware that petrochemical supply disruptions extend beyond plastics and also affect the production of essential materials such as ammonia, urea, and helium, which are widely used across various industrial sectors.

“The government is aware of, understands, and is concerned about the impact on the supply chain arising from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Several additional studies still need to be carried out, and the findings are expected to be discussed again at the (MTEN) meeting next week,” he said at a global energy crisis briefing and post-Cabinet meeting press conference here today.

He said that as an initial measure to assist affected companies, the Association of Banks in Malaysia has announced that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) or micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing financial difficulties may negotiate directly with commercial banks for flexibility on existing financial facilities.

Fahmi said the approach is aimed at ensuring continuity of industrial operations, particularly in the food manufacturing and packaging sectors, is not significantly affected should disruptions in raw material supply continue.

On April 17, the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA) said the country’s plastic manufacturing industry is expected to experience continued volatility in the near to medium term amid the West Asia crisis.