Malaysia Prioritizes Domestic Energy Needs, the Rest is for Australia

JAKARTA - The Malaysian government insists that domestic energy needs will remain a top priority. New supply surpluses will be channeled to Australia after domestic needs are ensured.

The Malay Mail report, which was quoted on Thursday, April 16, said the statement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister (PM) Anwar Ibrahim at a press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Putrajaya, Wednesday, April 16. According to Anwar, the government has received assurances from Petroliam Nasional Bhd or Petronas that supplies for local consumption are sufficient.

"The priority is certainly on the needs of the country and the country's economic resilience," said Anwar.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, said the surplus supply would later be channeled to trusted partners such as Australia. According to Anwar, this kind of arrangement shows the importance of negotiations and mutual understanding between friendly countries, especially when both parties are equally dependent on strategic resources.

The report also stated that Malaysia has been importing gas, including liquefied natural gas or LNG, from Australia. Australia, said Anwar, has confirmed its commitment to continue to fulfill existing supply agreements. On the other hand, Malaysia will ensure that Australia's needs are met after domestic needs are first secured.

"That is the meaning of friendship," said Anwar.

He called the cooperation a balanced partnership, built on the basis of mutual trust and commitment. Even so, Anwar emphasized that the Malaysian government would continue to place national interests and the welfare of the people as the main priority.

Anwar also said Malaysia continued to expand relations with various countries. However, at the same time, the government still counted on ensuring that economic stability and national interests were not disrupted. He cited the United States as the largest source of trade and investment for Malaysia, even though Kuala Lumpur still maintains good bilateral relations with other countries, including Russia.

"We continue to establish relations with more countries. The largest trade and investment still comes from the US, although we also have good bilateral relations with Russia and trade with them," he said.

According to Malay Mail, Australia is an important economic partner for Malaysia and occupies the 12th position as Malaysia's largest trading partner in 2025. The bilateral trade value of the two countries was recorded at RM78.63 billion or US$18.38 billion.

Malaysia and Australia's relationship has been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2021. The cooperation covers three main areas, namely economic prosperity, society and technology, and regional defense and security.