Russia remains a reliable energy supplier to Southeast Asia – Lavrov

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported . "Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate: Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy and food to all Southeast Asian countries," Lavrov said in a video message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and the Philippines. Diplomatic relations with the Philippines began on June 2, 1976, while the exchange of embassies between the two countries took place in 1977. --BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

MOSCOW: Russia has always been and will continue to be a reliable supplier of energy and food supplies to all Southeast Asian countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported . “Taking this opportunity, I would like to reiterate: Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of energy and food […]

TNB’s RM43 billion grid modernization supports rapid growth in data center demand

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd's (TNB) RM43 billion grid modernisation programme is set to meet the growing demand for data centres in Malaysia, with future energy needs being factored into a more comprehensive national generation plan to ensure long-term system readiness. Speaking at the Data Centre and Cloud Infrastructure Expo 2026, TNB Chief Grid Officer Hasmarizal Hassan shared the steps the utility company is taking to provide grid infrastructure to support the rapid development of the sector, including connection capacity, implementation period and long-term system planning. Among the main focuses is the TNB Green Lane Line, which has reduced the grid connection period for data centres from 36 months to as little as 12 months, according to Hasmarizal in a post on TNB's social media. As of March 2026, a total of 33 projects have been implemented under this framework, reflecting TNB's recognition that connection speed is a key factor in strengthening Malaysia's position as a regional data center hub. "To manage large-scale demand growth, TNB is also adopting a cluster-based grid strategy, focusing on transmission infrastructure investments in identified growth corridors," he said. He said Johor remained among the key active clusters under the strategy, with further expansion across the country planned to support scalability and maintain overall system reliability. Hasmarizal said the approach aims to ensure the grid remains capable of supporting the increasing demand for digital infrastructure in Malaysia, continuing to attract data centre investments and other high-value investments. The MADANI government focuses on industries that create better job opportunities, facilitate technology transfer, drive innovation and promote long-term economic growth. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd’s (TNB) RM43 billion grid modernisation programme is set to meet the growing demand for data centres in Malaysia, with future energy needs being factored into a more comprehensive national generation plan to ensure long-term system readiness. Speaking at the Data Centre and Cloud Infrastructure Expo 2026, TNB Chief Grid Officer […]

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM, PM ALBANESE DEEPEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, FOCUS ON ENERGY SECURITY AND REGIONAL STABILITY

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL -- Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following an official welcome ceremony, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–Australia ties across key strategic sectors. The meeting, conducted in a closed-door one-on-one session, focused on advancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which underscores shared priorities in ensuring regional prosperity, security, stability, and long-term economic growth. Both nations reiterated their commitment to open markets and rules-based trade, anchored in mutual trust and strategic alignment. During the discussions, Anwar and Albanese expressed deep concern over ongoing conflicts in West Asia and their broader implications, particularly on global energy supply chains, pricing volatility, and the flow of critical resources such as oil and natural gas. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of complementing each other’s roles in trade and economic relations, especially in the area of energy security. Malaysia and Australia, they noted, serve as key energy suppliers to one another, reinforcing the need for closer coordination. They also emphasized a shared commitment to maintaining open and rules-based energy trade, ensuring stable trade flows, enhancing transparency, and strengthening collaboration in energy security. Efforts will be intensified to build more resilient energy supply chains, support the transition toward cleaner energy, and expand the adoption of renewable energy sources. The discussions reflect a unified vision to safeguard economic stability and shared prosperity, while reinforcing the Malaysia–Australia partnership as a key pillar in navigating evolving regional and global challenges. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

PUTRAJAYA, 16 APRIL — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese following an official welcome ceremony, as both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Malaysia–Australia ties across key strategic sectors. The meeting, conducted in a closed-door one-on-one session, focused on advancing cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which […]

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM REAFFIRMS MALAYSIA’S COMMITMENT TO ENERGY SECURITY AT AZEC SUMMIT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional energy security during his participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience, held at the invitation of the Government of Japan yesterday. In a statement, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for convening the timely meeting, highlighting its importance amid growing global uncertainties. He noted that recent developments in West Asia, particularly those affecting the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the critical need for a stable energy supply to ensure economic resilience and safeguard the wellbeing of the people. “Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation through AZEC to ensure a stable, sufficient and resilient energy supply,” he said. As an energy producer, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), Anwar stressed that Malaysia will continue to play a constructive role in supporting regional energy security. He added that the country is also focused on diversifying its energy sources, including expanding renewable energy, while reinforcing its energy systems in line with national development priorities. The Prime Minister emphasised that collaborative regional efforts remain key to navigating evolving energy challenges and ensuring long-term sustainability. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening regional energy security during his participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit on Energy Resilience, held at the invitation of the Government of Japan yesterday. In a statement, Anwar expressed his appreciation to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae […]

PM ANWAR IBRAHIM UNVEILS BOLD NATIONAL STRATEGY TO SHIELD MALAYSIANS FROM GLOBAL ENERGY CRISIS

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced a comprehensive and decisive national strategy following a high-level meeting of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), aimed at protecting Malaysians from the prolonged global energy crisis. Describing the situation as “prickly and expected to persist,” Anwar stressed that the government’s top priority is safeguarding the welfare of the people while maintaining discipline and realism in all policy measures. At the heart of the immediate response is ensuring uninterrupted supply of energy and essential goods. The Prime Minister highlighted the critical role of PETRONAS, alongside early-stage planning, to guarantee sufficient supply in the coming months. To ease the burden of rising costs, the government will expand diesel subsidies, targeting farmers, smallholders, and individual vehicle owners. This move is expected to cushion vulnerable groups from the impact of global fuel price volatility. In tandem, demand-side measures are being intensified. These include improving energy efficiency and implementing Work From Home arrangements for civil servants starting immediately. Enforcement operations—dubbed “Cold Ops”—will also be ramped up to combat hoarding and smuggling activities that threaten national fuel supply stability. Looking ahead, Anwar emphasized a strategic shift toward renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fuels. Biodiesel has been identified as a practical near-term solution, with plans to gradually increase the blend rate to B15 using existing infrastructure. “This allows us to act immediately while preparing for more advanced systems in the future,” he said. The Prime Minister also added that Malaysia’s strong industrial base and domestic capacity will not only stabilize current supply but also strengthen long-term energy resilience. “Insya-Allah, with determination, discipline, and unity, we will overcome this challenge together,” Anwar affirmed. The announcement signals a coordinated national effort to navigate global uncertainties while ensuring the stability of Malaysians’ daily lives. -- Minutes MY / Igneseous Noris -- Credit: FB Anwar Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday announced a comprehensive and decisive national strategy following a high-level meeting of the National Economic Action Council (MTEN), aimed at protecting Malaysians from the prolonged global energy crisis. Describing the situation as “prickly and expected to persist,” Anwar stressed that the government’s top priority is […]

Global Energy Crisis Expected to Slow Down Road Construction and Maintenance Projects

KULAI, April 13 -- The increase in operating costs, especially diesel fuel, due to the current global energy crisis is expected to cause increased delays in road construction and maintenance projects nationwide. Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said his ministry expected the number of projects behind schedule to increase compared to before. He said that of the 855 projects in implementation under the Public Works Department (JKR) involving 28 ministries previously, one-third were ahead of schedule, one-third were on schedule and one-third were late. Ahmad explained that road construction and maintenance projects were the most affected sector due to their high dependence on the use of diesel to power heavy machinery such as lorries and road rollers. "Because all the vehicles that make roads use diesel... so this industry is indeed following market prices and that is their main complaint. "What is affected is road maintenance and the construction of new roads, while for building construction, they can still use up existing building materials. However, with the current situation, we are worried that this category of late projects will increase," he said. He said this to reporters during an official working visit to the Kulai District Public Works Department at the Kulai District Engineer's Office, here, today. Ahmad said the industry estimated the cost increase to be between 30 and 40 percent, but the government did not want to rely on that figure without more accurate data confirmation. Therefore, he said, the Works Ministry is currently obtaining official data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to determine the actual rate of increase in the price of building materials. "DOSM has a scientific and systematic calculation method covering various sectors including building materials, food and transportation. We will use their data as an official reference," he said. In addition, he said his party had also held meetings with several contractor associations including the Malaysian Bumiputera Contractors Association (PKBM), the Malaysian Malay Contractors Association (PKMM), the Malaysian Class F Bumiputera Contractors Association (Perkobf) and the mechanical contractors association to obtain industry feedback.

KULAI, April 13 — The increase in operating costs, especially diesel fuel, due to the current global energy crisis is expected to cause increased delays in road construction and maintenance projects nationwide. Deputy Minister of Works Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said his ministry expected the number of projects behind schedule to increase compared to […]