Malaysia’s Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, has briefed media representatives of the government now in ‘crisis mode’ and making preparations for the future if the America-Israeli invasion of Iran becomes a protracted crisis.

Loke was sullen and subdued, grim in his outlook of the war and warned Malaysians that this was not a laughing matter or joke and to take the present situation and view it seriously as it has begun to have a big impact on the country.

The prices of goods and services have increased in the last month, post-Chinese New Year, not just because of the war but a number of reasons like shifting weather patterns affecting vegetable, fish and poultry supply causing prices to spiral.

But the biggest concern is rising energy prices as the usual supply of oil and gas using the Straits of Hormuz has stopped flowing, pushing up oil prices to unprecedented levels and prompting a reduction from 300 litres a person to 200 litres for Budi95.

Other measures of austerity and a tightening of the belt are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, as no one is expected to be spared from the fallout of the war that has placed Middle East countries in turmoil and confusion.

Loke advised all Malaysians to be calm and expect significant changes in the coming weeks, and especially if the war escalates or gets out of control, which is why everyone should go about their lives living in caution and due vigilance.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE