Malaysia orders remote work for government staff from April 15 amid global energy crisis

Malaysia has ordered remote work for government employees beginning April 15 as part of emergency measures to address the global energy crisis, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced in a special address.

The directive will apply to employees across government ministries, agencies, statutory bodies and government-linked companies, with the move aimed at reducing fuel consumption and easing pressure on national energy supplies as global oil prices rise.

“Further details will be announced later. At the same time, I want to stress that the government is taking steps to cushion the impact of the global energy crisis through initiatives to support the people,” Anwar said in his address.

He explained that the work-from-home initiative is intended to reduce fuel usage and ensure a sustainable national energy supply, adding that the government is currently spending about 4 billion Malaysian ringgit per month to absorb rising oil prices.

“However, our ability to absorb these costs is surely limited. Look at the experience of other countries,” he said.

Malaysia is also working to strengthen its energy security by diversifying oil and gas import sources amid global supply disruptions. Anwar said discussions with leaders from Iran, Gulf countries and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto suggested the crisis could persist.

“They expected the situation to get worse before recovery can begin, and that will surely take much longer,” he said.

The energy crisis has been intensified by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route through which roughly 20 million barrels of oil pass daily. The disruption has driven up global oil prices and raised concerns about prolonged economic pressure worldwide.

Anwar warned that Malaysia must accept that the country is facing extraordinary circumstances. “We must accept the reality this is no longer business as usual. If the situation is alarming, then we must act in accordance with the demands of the time and strictly adhere to our plans,” he said.

He also credited national oil company Petronas for helping maintain stable energy supplies during the volatile period.

The prime minister also called for fiscal discipline and social responsibility, urging more modest spending and encouraging those in leadership and higher income groups to support those facing economic pressure.

“Those who are wealthy and hold high positions must not be indifferent; they must show concern and offer help during these times that are weighing heavily on so many of our people,” he said.

The remote work directive reflects growing concerns that the global energy crisis linked to geopolitical conflict and supply disruptions could continue for an extended period, forcing governments and businesses to adopt fuel-saving and cost-control measures.